conditional formatting based on menu selection

i've created a small pop-up menu to populate one column. i want to affect the formatting of that cell's row based on it's selection. I've tried selecting the row then going to "Conditional Formatting", selecting "Formula Is" and entering a formula like =$C1="abcd". Nothing happens when i change the value of the menu...suggestions? I'm a VERY basic Excel user so assume very little knowledge

I don't think i explained myself very well, in this case what i'd like to do is make the dot in the column A change to red if "Failed" is selected from the pulldown menu in column D...i've attached a screenshot of the equation and the layout i'm trying it on...