It doesn't return search results because you haven't configured Livelink properly, or you are using a very old version of Livelink.
Searching on the DataID can work. You should read up on 'Best Bets' functionality, or how to use the Livelink Query Language.
Regarding your second comment, is not called the favourites box, but instead 'Featured Items' and this behaviour is configurable in later versions, too.
Upgrade Livelink to version 9.7.1 if you are not already there.
Livelink is incredibly powerful and can be configured to do anything you need it to do, but the key is knowing how to do it. A skilled administrator is definitely needed.
Full Disclosure:
I work for Open Text and am a certified Livelink Systems Administrator.