edit excel formula changes cell not allowing formula to run

I am trying to put formulas into excel (2010 & not a new concept for me), however when i go to edit the formula the cell changes and only shows me the formula (not as a formula but as text in the cell) instead of the result I want. the cell format is set to general so there shouldnt be a problem with the cell running the formula. i think i may have quick keyed something the otherday changing my settings and dont know how to fix this problem.

Im not new to excel and know how to click the "show formula" button to see all my formulas. this is not the problem and does not correct the issue. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Solution 1:

I had this same problem, and my cell was set on Text.

Once I put the formatting back to General it worked fine...