Formatting cell pattern color

[Alex]

when I format a cell with a color or a pattern. The formatting does not show
on the worksheet. It shows OK on print preview.

 

[Biff]

Take a look at this:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=320531

Biff

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

If the high contrast setting is turned on you won't see the fill colour.
There's information in the following MSKB article:

OFF: Changes to Fill Colour and Fill Pattern Are Not Displayed
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=320531