By audit mode, do you mean safe mode?  If so, check these articles:

Windows 98 or Windows 95 Defaults to Safe Mode
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=143283

The Computer Always Starts in Safe Mode
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306615

This is the result usually of someone at the factory forgetting to close audit mode,
or from reinstalling Windows from the hard drive where the OEM's msbatch.inf file is
still present.

The Automated Support Assistant has found that Windows is running in "Audit Mode":
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2004092812391039

Click the button on the web page to Automatically disable Audit Mode.

OR:
Exit all programs.
On the Windows taskbar, click Start > Run.
In the Run dialog box, type the following:
regedit
Click OK.

Navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

In the right pane, if it exists, select the following value:
AuditInProgress
Press Delete.
Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

In the right pane, if it exists, select the following value:
AuditMode
Press Delete.
Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

Exit the Registry Editor.

Google win98 audit mode
Google OEM audit mode