Protected worksheet - copy/insert copied cells no longer keeping format

[jodijl8]

Good morning, I have a protected worksheet whereas some cells are locked and some are not (users are allowed to do everything except select locked cells; the locked cells are a template which cannot be altered due to company requirements) - up until approx. two days ago I was able to copy a row and insert copied cells above/below it and the new row kept all the formatting, most specifically merged cells were still merged. Merged cells are no longer staying merged when I copy/insert copied cells now, any ideas? It is important to note that the copy/insert copied cell function does work as it should (keeps cells merged) when the worksheet is unprotected, just no longer while the worksheet is protected (I have made no changes on my end)! Also important to note that there are no tables or formulas within my worksheet.