Why do you need to change it from Unstarted to Active? Once a cost or estimate hits the cost code, it will automatically change from unstarted to active. It shows in all the lists with a status of Unstarted. It doesn't need to be active to use it.

When I import data into payroll, any data with an unstarted status is rejected.

We use TIme Entry and it works with the unstarted cost codes. Are you setting up the labor category with the cost cade as well? That could be the issue. Importing can be a little tricky sometimes. I know that our PR person has to select the category for unstarted cost codes when she does the time entry. When you are importing, you aren't able to do that.

I will check into how the labor category and cost codes are set up, as others enter them. I import the data, process, and make any adjustments through Enter Checks.