That is true for civic 96-98. The keyless program is connected to the radio. HOWEVER, it is NOT True for accord 1998-01. Just make sure your remote is compatible with the keyless modul, which is located on the left panel, driver side. Try to program your remote first.
1. turn the key to II position, press lock
2. turn the key to I position,
3 do it for 4 times, upon the fourth time, do not turn the key to off position, I. press lock on all your remotes, then turn the key off.

If everything, your unit and remote is compatible, correct procedure, your keyless should work