98 ford ranger 2.5l xlt 2wd

when you say the starter "tries", do you mean that the engine turns over good? If so, you have either lost spark or fuel. can you hear the fuel pump cycle when you turn the key to the on position? You could try squirting some carb cleaner in the intake and see if it fires. if not you may have lost spark, check spark. if so, you may have lost one of your fuel pumps. check all fuses and relays. check these things out and post back here.