from your description... i think you have one that is supposed to run on gas AND electric. turn the switch at the outside in the door for the water heater OFF to turn off the electric element ( when you are not plugged in or when you are paying for electric) and turn on the remote switch ( does a little red light come on just above it? that indicates the auto light feature is there...and trying to light the pilot. of course you must have the gas on ....and abouve all... since you never ran this...make sure the tank is FULL of water. The best way i know to be SURE is to manually open the popit valve on the out side ( red circle ring around it ...with a lever) and watch out for water to come out.
if the electric feature does not work it may well be burnt out from being turned on with out water in the tank.
feel free to pm me for more info if this did not solve your problem