Hi Jim
If it is a collapsible column (as mine is) then it has probably collapsed! There are two sections (cross-sectioned like a circle with two flats) which 'slide' inside each other (both of these are inside the outer casing). It is only nylon moulded pins which keep them in a fixed relative position lengthwise. If (as I did) you 'tap' the steering wheel to free it when removing it, you can overcome the pins and the column collapses. Maybe this has been done at some stage.
You can replace the column (though I am not sure if they are available) but I removed mine and linked the two halves permanently with suitable bolts/nuts.
This is not a problem because, on the NG, there are two u/js on the column which take the impact in an accident so the colapsible section is not essential.