I have a Ford Escape 2008 model - after a service, we received the car back with the CD/Stereo player locked. The Ford dealership are unable at this stage to provide me a code for the unlocking of the CD/Stereo. Any help is greatly appreciated!

That means service period is due. Take it to your dealership or registered mechanic for service.

No, a starter from a 2008 Ford Escape will not fit onto a 2008 Ford Ranger. The starters are specific to each vehicle model and are not interchangeable. The starter is responsible for delivering the electrical current necessary to turn the engine over and start the vehicle, and the design of the starter is different for each vehicle model to fit in the specific engine bay and connect to the battery and solenoid correctly.
If you need to replace the starter in your 2008 Ford Ranger, it's important to use the correct starter designed for your specific vehicle model to ensure proper fit and performance. You can find the right starter for your Ranger by checking the owner's manual or by contacting a Ford dealership or auto parts store.

I'd find the FUSE for the cd/stereo. Look in the Owner's Manual.
Ensure the engine is OFF. Removing and reinstalling the fuse may RESET the CD player and allow it be removed.

Contact this link for Ford radio codes: Car radio codes in Uxbridge London Gumtree

try removing neg cable for about an 1/2 hour

Have you tried lots of different CD's?? If so and still same I suspect CD player faulty.

This for base radio system, non-hybrid, 08 ford escape.

unplug the battery for about ten minutes to reset the stereo... if you need a code to activate it make sure you know the code and how to enter it. do you get this error for all cd's or just ones you have burnt yourself ?