Combo not accepting selected dropdown item

[mergle]

I have a frmServiceOrder form that has a "datasheet type" sfrmSOItem subform with a combo box that allows a user to select service order items...

Problem:
When I select a service order item in the dropdown, it doesnt place the item in the record...I have to select it a 2nd time in order to make it appear in the record. However, if I select the item by typing (i.e., via autofill) and hit the enter key, the item will populate in the record the 1st time.

I suspect it has something to do with my query joins. I hav played with various combinations and cant find a solution...

Any clues?

Thank you.

 

[mergle]

Explain this solution...

The combo box field has a conditional format that changes the color of the background and text when it has the focus...I removed the conditional format and everything works fine...so far.

Can anyone explain this
Cheers