The oil is only going be in your oil pan when the engine is cold. If it's not there on the dipstick, you're low on oil. Simple as that. Cary is right, per the manual, 1 quart is the difference between the two lines. When the check engine light comes on, you are low on oil by at least a quart. Add one quart, then check the level. Add little by little after that if necessary and keep checking the dipstick as you go. Remember that when you add oil, check the dipstick after a few minutes as the oil has to make its way down to the oil pan.

Don't drive your car without adding oil to bring it up to the required level. Doing so would just be neglegent.