Edit Object On Password Protected Worksheet

I have this password protected Excel template (v.2002), it includes one particular drop-down box, which is not a data validation choice selection, but a 'object' drop-down box which offers choices linked to a hidden value, via the INDEX function. The issue arises when I password protect the template and attempt to select from the available choices, I get a dialog box telling me the "the cell or chart...is password protected and...read-only"..."To modify...remove protection". I imagined checking the "Edit Objects" selection, upon protecting the worksheet would have avoided any problems, but that doesn't do the job.