return a value based on cell background color

Is there a formula that will return a value based on a cells background color.

I have a spreadsheet that someone has taken the time to highlight changes they want. I want to be able to identify these and be able to filter on them. I assume the easiest way is to assign a value in an adjoining column.

I know I can do this the other way around by using conditional formatting, but don't know if what I want can be done.

Thanks.

Hi

can this link help :http://www.cpearson.com/excel/colors.htm?