this might help??
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=320531

--
Don Guillett
SalesAid Software

"GHVer" wrote in message
...
unable to change cell shading color in excel. can change font color,size,
etc.., but when trying to change shading it seems to "ignor" whatever
color
is chosen. Thought maybe the cells were protected but happens on blank
worksheets also. any ideas?