Conditional Formatting Error

I have a worksheet that is populating condtional formatting although cells
were not set up as that. It is the strangest thing and I can't figure out
what's happening. When I click on the blank cell and select conditional
formatting nothing is set up. As soon as I enter into that cell the
conditional formatting pops up. The only conditional formatting is from the
column beside it.

It is possible that auto correct works on a formatting as well? Can't
figure out what's happening. Have tried to Clear - Format to fix as well
and reentering fresh and it does not work. The conditional formatting that
is pulling up is "not equal to $A3".

Can anyone help.