About the tones and codes:
I imagine the reason that only certain channels work between the two radios is because the tones don't match between the two radios.
The tones are called many different things: PL Tones, CTCSS, Tone Squelch, DCS, DTCS, etc. Basically it means that the radio transmits a continuous tone (Example 100.0) and listens for incoming signals to also have that 100.0 tone included. If the radio is listening for a 100.0 tone and does not hear the tone, it will not open the squelch of the radio.
Using tone squelch does not turn the conversation into a secret/private conversation. All it does it block out incoming signals that do not have the same tone as the one you're set to receive.
In order to resolve the issue, you can do one of two things:
1) If you wish to use tone squelch, you'll need to match the tones on each channel for each radio.
2) If tone squelch is not needed (and generally it's not) you'll want to use "none" in the tone mode section for each channel of each radio.
As for the frequencies you've programmed in:
I'm not sure where you're located, but for the US the pre-programmed channels in the 888 are generally not legal to transmit on **unless** you have a FCC Commercial license for those specific channels. Both the Baofang 888 and UV-5R require some kind of FCC license to use, and you must be licensed for each frequency you use. Best I can tell, all of the ones you have programmed are mostly in the Part 90 commercial or public safety frequencies.
Both radios can be used on either the Amateur Radio frequencies **if you have a Amateur Radio license**, or they can be used on Part 90 commercial/business/public safety frequencies **if you have a FCC license *only* on frequencies you are licensed/authorized for.**
There are personal license-free radio services such as CB, FRS, and MURS (as well as GMRS which requires a license) however neither radio is FCC certified (legal) to use on those frequencies. Again, if you live somewhere other than the US these rules may not apply.
Since you said that PL tones are above your tech ability I'm guessing that you don't have much of an idea of what you're doing, which is why I provided the legal information above. It's up to you on how to proceed with that information. It would probably be a good idea to learn and research more on what you're doing, just in case you end up interfering with licensed users on those frequencies. A visit (fines) from the FCC for unlicensed transmissions can be quite costly - in the $10,000+ range.
Again, just providing that info for your consideration. If you already knew this or are licensed for those frequencies, my apologies.
