Upright general electric freezer over 15 years old light on but not freezing do not hear clicking or running and compressornot not hot

Please keep in mind here that this freezer is 35 years old and it will eventually reach a point where it will be easier to replace it.
All freezers and fridges click, rattle and buzz as they cycle through there job. You only really need to worry if the noise is louder, random or is constantly happening. Some older freezers have a 'Boost' switch where you can turn up the freeze rate if you have recently put a large amount of food into the freezer. Don't use this all of the time as it is expensive to use and can wear out the freezer parts faster. Try flipping this switch and leaving it for 5 minutes to see if the noise changes.
Has the freezer been moved recently? Sometimes if a fridge or freezer isn't level it will make extra noises.
Is the freezer still as cold as it normally is? The noise could be the evaporator fan starting to fail. Get a qualified technician look at it as he will be able to listen to it and give you better advice.

If you hear a buzz or clicking sound, your compressor may be locked down, check warranty some have 5 year warranty on sealed system repair, parts and labor

check door seals, also check vent direction, a dial or lever in fridge, it adjust how much air goes to fridge and freezer

Check your circulatation fan. It may be stuck. Keep me informed The Raz Shack

Change the motherboard.

freezer is working overtime . these symptoms generally indicate excessive outside air coming into freezer. make sure doorgasket is completely sealed all the way around door.

I am not an expert, but if the defrost heater is not working, then maybe when it was unpluged the coils didn't completly unthaw. If not, the freezer still will not cool properly.

That clicking sound is your compressor tightening up(clixon switching on and off.). Pull the freezer out and feel the compressor. If very hot and not running, there is your problem.

Check these two things first.  1.  Is there a thick frost buildup on the back panel at the bottom half of the freezer?  2.  Do you hear the fan running inside the freezer?  Let me know what you find.

if you don't hear it running for extended periods of time (more than 15 minutes) without stopping, and if it does not immediately re-start once it does stop, and if it is extremely hot climate outside (85 F and above), then yes, this is acceptable.