C230 Key wont turn the EIS

[FryBird]

I have 2 keys for my 1998 C230 and they both dont work (one has dead batteries)
The 1 with the good batteries does lock/unlock the doors fine but I understand that the EIS inductively activates the chip in the key whereby sending out its code to authorize its use, so the batteries have no play in the EIS function

The cars starter battery had been dead for about 4 months so I am not sure it if has caused any programming to be lost.

But before I go spending big $$$ on a new key and re-programming.
I want to eliminate what might be an electrical issue with the Brake light circuit that might be the root of the cause.

SO the Basic question is: Do the Brake lights on a C230 light up when the brake pedal is depressed without key in the EIS and turned into a position?

As I believe the brake circuit needs to be energized for the EIS to function,
and since my Brake lights don't come on when the pedal is pressed, I feel this might be the cause of the problem. (I electrically and visually checked the Brake Light fuse and its good)

But if it is normal for the brake lights Not to light without the Key turned into position the problem is deeper than that.

What is Normal?
Thanks for your Help.