Older Gas fireplace insert stupid question

Make damn sure the damper is open. Where I live the dampers must be open an inch all of the time if you have NG fire place. I installed one of these about 8 years ago. Sure beats the hell out of cleaning up and dealing with wood. I live in the desert so it did provide me some warmth in the "cooler months" with a corresponding increase in the gas bill. I liked it a lot. I could come home turn it on watch some TV and then retire. When retiring I would shut off the valve and I knew it was off, no embers lingering or to worry about.

Like others have said only crack the valve and use a long match or lighter. I had a valve outside as well for shutting it off during the summer. Mine worked best full tilt. Valving it down created some sooting problems.

I don't think I would light it! Doesn't sound safe to me. Either have someone from the gas company look at it OR buy a new one.

Only a stupid question if you don't ask and cause harm.

Yes, there were some older models that worked just like that. Turn the gas on slightly, use a long match and light it at the first hole nearest the valve. Once lit, you can open the valve the rest of the way. I doubt you could sell something that simple today.