No check engine light (MIL) at all.... normal?

Hi, I noticed that my check engine does not come on ''test function'' when I turn the car ON, so I removed the cluster to check the bulb and in the check engine light hole, there was a little factory sticker instead of a bulb (as if there was never a bulb put in). I put in a bulb but nothing happens...

Check engine codes work with vag-com and even with generic OBD2 readers. (checked my codes many times).

It's a Canadian spec early 1997..

Is that normal ? Do early 1997s have no check engine light?

thanks

A8 1997 4.2l quattro.