When a tool is shaded that usually means that it makes no sense with what you
are doing to have it available.  For instance, when you open Access with no
db opened, the Relationships tool is shaded because there are no tables
available to have relationships.  Likewise, if an open database has no
modules, then the Code tool is shaded because there is no code to view/edit.
When you open a form or report and no object on the form/report is selected,
the entire Formatting toolbar is shaded because you have not told Access with
what you want to work.