They've changed the article number:
The fill color, the fill pattern, or the line color of a WordArt or
AutoShape object in an Office document does not change
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=833258
Bob Phillips wrote:
See if this helps
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=320531
Changes to fill color and fill pattern are not displayed in Office programs
--
Debra Dalgleish
Contextures
http://www.contextures.com/tiptech.html