Vector "transparent" backgrounds not in separate layer

I just purchased a sunburst vector to add to a photo and the checkered background is part of the image.  It is one layer in Illustrator an unable to be shut off.  How the hell is anyone to use this?  It's absolutely useless and astounding to me that you would have put in your collection. I've been reading this board for solutions and see that this is problem that people have been having for YEARS and still it persists.