Data Validation - Excel not suggesting values based on letters typed

[jdcma]

I created a list of values for a column of my spreadsheet and I want Excel to suggest a value based on the first letter or letters I type.  No matter what settings I try, nothing works.  I either get an error message or no suggestions pop up so I need to type out the whole word.  I know this is possible because I have done it before, so I don't understand why this is so complicated.  I chose LIST and entered the values separated by commas.  I tried every configuration of the options on the Settings, Input Message and Error Alert tabs and nothing seems to work.  Like I said, I KNOW this is possible, but I can't figure it out. 

[#2]

@jdcma 

Data validation doesn't provide this feature.

One option is to place the list of values immediately above the cell where you want to enter a value:

It's also possible to use a combo box in combination with some VBA: see Data Validation Combo box