I need Word help!

I use Word 2003 SP2. In a Word form I am creating, I want to specify a
different font for one form text field, which I can do. However, after
protecting the document for forms, the field drops the font I specified and
opts instead for the Normal font (in this case, Times New Roman). The only
way I can get it to work with the font I want is first press the Delete key
while in that field.

Yes, I know it sounds nuts, but I swear it is true!

I have never experienced this kind of issue with earlier versions of Word. I
checked the Knowledge Base. I found an article that mentioned the East Asian
language settings can cause this issue, but I verified that I don't have the
East Asian language settings active on my PC.

Can someone help me solve this? You'd be saving what little remains of my
sanity.

Thanks!