loading and editing values in spreadsheet

I would like to build a function in MS Access '97 that automatically generates a report in Excel format.  Here are the basic steps:
1. copy list over to specific preformatted spreadsheet (headers are item# with month/year from current month out to 10 years)
2. for each item in MS Access table, read date value and level value
3. Locate the proper cell location based on date (month/year) and item#, then write the date and change the cell color based on the level value (low=green, mod=yellow, high=red).  The cell color to the right should be colored the same until it hits another level on the same item.  For example, item#1 has level=low for Jan 2001 and level=high for June 2001.  The cell color for item#1 should be green from Jan 2001 to May 2001 and red for June 2001 (no color for months after June 2001 since that's the last date for item).

I am not familiar with manipulating data in a spreadsheet using MS Access.  I would like to know the functions required  to building the above report.  Thanks.

-jptu