Do magic actually exist???

[Spoon]

I still want an answer to my question. How do I find out if my fan has a remote installed?

Maybe there is a model number on the fan you could look up.

 

[Simon47]

One thing I found out when I picked one up in a charity a few years ago is that these can effectively be "pick n mix". Pick the basic fan, pick suitable mounting bracket, pick option for light, and pick option for remote control.
For Fantasia, a remote control unit would be hidden under the dome at the top of the drop rod. I found stickers with very limited information on top of the motor unit.
The symptoms described would fit with there being a remote control which was previously turned off. Ask the boy's parents if you can borrow their remote - tyrn on the wall switch and try the remote options (probably off+3 speed for fan, and on/off/dim for light).
For better help, pictures will help. As close up as you can get of the whole unit, and the top of the mount.