Excel 2007 : VLOOKUP not Working

HELP!!
I have tried everything that I know (including a work around that is way too time consuming) to get the vlookup to work. I have checked the formating of the cells (as someone suggested here) and still I am not seeing the expected results. I cannot identify the issue- I believe that it has to be in the formatting due to my work around working, but again my work around is too time consuming.
I have attached a sample of the file- and am hoping that someone can help. The data is there, it just will not pull it to the sheet, it keeps bringing back N/A.

If anyone can assist - I would be very grateful!

maryne