Tape recorder???? How 80ish. Get software and a nice shielded patch cord and run it either from your speaker out or line out into your soundcard (which should be checked in Control Panel to make sure the inputs haven't been disabled). IDTracker 2, ARC996,Scan Control and Trunkstar Elite (a relatively new package, don't know much about it yet) can do audio recordings. Check the BCD996 wiki article for the links. (just click on the blue 'article' and away you go)
You can check out some digital recorders available at any office supply or computer store. If you are using it mobile, it may be you best option. If you dont have a computer, it may be your best option. : )