Sampling colors outside of Illustrator

[jay fresno]

I used to be able to use the Eyedropper tool to copy colors anywhere on my computer -- web pages, other applications, and so forth. I start by holding down the Eyedropper and dragging outside the Illustrator window without letting go of the mouse until the mouse is on top of the color I want.

For some reason, I cannot do that anymore. Does anyone know why or how to make the eyedropper work the way it used to?

[Ewa254412560esq]

Tank you for saving my time!!!!!!!

[black lotus design]

Thank-you so much! This was driving me crazy!!!!