Upvote:4
If you never used the J-1 visa and never entered the US in J-1 status and never participated in the exchange program, then the two year residency requirement does not apply to you and you of course do not need a waiver for it.
In order to trigger the requirement, you actually have to enter the US in J-1 status and participate in an exchange program, not just receive a visa.
The regulations require, among other things, that you must have entered the US in J-1 status, or changed status to J-1, and participated in an exchange program. (22 CFR 41.63(a))