Formula's being displayed instead of results

[Pat Adams]

This only happens sometimes, so far when I export data from a GL software.
If I try to insert a column and add a formula, all I get is the formula.
I've tried going through the function - If - etc. I've tried using the
control + shift+ enter. I've tried using brackets. I've tried saving in
current version of excel. I'm using Excel 2003 Professional Edition.

 

[Barb Reinhardt]

You may want to check to see how the cell is formatted. I'm guessing it's
formatted as text.

 

[Pat Adams]

I forgot to mention that I have tried changing the formatting as well -
to/from text/general/number. I've tried inserting new columns with general
formatting. I've tried copying the formula from another spreadsheet. I've
also tried saving it as the current version of Excel that I have (2003).