F4 function - repeat last action not working after switching tabs

In Excel 2003, I have always been able to use F4 on multiple tabs within an open worksheet. For example, if I delete a column or row, then go to another tab in the worksheet and select a new row to delete, I can press F4 and it repeats that action as needed. Now for some reason this has changed. I can only use F4 for the same action on the tab I started in. As soon as I switch tabs, F4 no longer repeats the action, as if Excel has "forgotten" about it.

Anyone familiar with this behavior? Any tips?