Ipad asking for passcode, but i never set one, and never update ios

If you were using Touch ID or Face ID (depending on model), you are required to setup a passcode when you set it up, and that is the passcode that its requesting.

If you don't know the passcode, you will have to restore the iPad to remove it.

If you don't have a functional Backup for your iPad either on iCloud or through iTunes on a computer, then your data is already lost. As the passcode is the key for the data encryption.

See here: If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple Support

Unfortunately whether you set a passcode or didn’t set one, if the iPad is insisting on a correct passcode being entered in order to be unlocked, there is nothing that you can do now other than to erase it in order to removed the passcode. If you don’t have backup, you will lose everything on the device.

If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple Support

If you don’t have a backup, but you have important data that you need, not backing up is a disaster waiting to happen.