I use xbindkeys in combination with xdotool.

Create a .xbindkeysrc file in your home directory. It must contain:

# Mapping BACK to mousewheel left on old Logitech

"xdotool key Alt_L+Left"

m:0x0 + b:6



# Mapping FORWARD to mousewheel right on old Logitech

"xdotool key Alt_L+Right"

m:0x0 + b:7

However with VMware you don't have to do anything else except adding

mouse.vusb.enable = "TRUE"

to the .vmx file in your host system. It's what VMware opens every time you start your guest system.