HELP! Master File Relationship

Someone Please help. I have set up a database for using help desk tracking software. I have a master file relationship with the key field in my client list table and the key field in my support ticket table.
All was working fine, meaning when I selected a client from the client table and added a new support ticket the ticket would show up under the correct client name.
Now for some unknown reason, when I perform the same procedure the support ticket does not show up under any customer, it only appears on the main support ticket table view.
The only difference I have found is that in the "Formatting - Step 8" screen.

Originally when the system was working their was some sort of function in the "Key" field, Edit Format..Default Value. This function is no longer there and I do not know the function was.
I have done everything to try and get this back... deleting relationships, saving, recreating relationships....even tried starting over from a new project with no luck.
Please Help!