Esc issues

Wonerring if anybody can shed some light on an esc issue.
Have stock standard Delta Force Sniper 23. the kids accidently entered the program mode and I cannot for the life of me work out what was changed. The esc armes ok, pull the throttle and the motor runs for a couple of seconds and then cuts out. Disconnect the battery and try again, same thing happens. Can someone please assist. I have the esc instructions but cannot fathom what would cause the issue. Tried connecting a new motor and same thing, esc has never been drowned or hot. Great little boat, need to get it running again. Also have a similar issue with an etti 150 esc with my sv 27, where the motor shudders when the trigger is pulled
Cheers