You can always try it but the seeds may be old or may have been treated in some way to inhibit sprouting. Plus they could be from a hybrid plant. (Seeds from hybrids don't come true to the parent parent and can be inferior for the desired purpose.) For best results, I would suggest buying seeds for growing from a seed vendor. Check out one of these for fennel seed:

Richters
Horizon Herbs
Nichols Garden Nursery
Pinetree Seeds
Johnny Seeds

FataMorgana

Thanks for those links! I purchased my fennel seeds for a really good price at Pinetree Seeds. Of course, I got some sweetpeas, nasturtiums, and Iris bulbs also!! I plan to use the fennel as a seasoning in the brine when my olives get done curing (probably 5 months from now) Thanks!!

I've had good success with growing plants from seeds bought in the Herbs and Spices section of a supermarket.

It has to be worth a try! It's my experience that it's only something which is likely to germinate (roots such as ginger, or garlic, for instance) MIGHT have been sprayed with chemicals to prevent it. Seeds don't usually germinate unless they're encouraged to do so.