1998 Honda Accord code for stereo

my son has the above honda accord. it recently needed a new starter and he had to disconnect the battery to get at the starter. When he was finished, it started perfectly, but his radio would not work, it wanted him to enter a code. he called a honda dealer which told him the code should be stuck on the top of the glove dept., it was not. they said the only recourse he would have was to rip the stereo out and look at the serial # and they would be able to find the code for that serial #. Ripping that out is alot of work, isn't there an easier way??? Wouldn't the manufacture know the code for what was put in that model year without all the hassel?
This is a kid on a budget, he needs help. Can't drive without the tunes?!?!