The 2010 and 2011 Base models did not have those buttons on the steering wheel, as the base radio didn't support those features.
Even if you didn't pair a phone, I think the phone button should still show something on the radio display (like giving you options to pair a phone). It will not announce anything over the speakers, you have to press the voice button for that.
Typically when I make a call, I press the phone button then the voice button, then say "Call someone".