Question: I'm using jqueryui combobox example at <http://jqueryui.com/demos/autocomplete/combobox.html>

I added the script seen below to catch the selected value of combobox:

```
<div id="selectedOpt">
</div>
<script>
$(document).ready(function() {
    $("#combobox").change(function() {
        var retval = $(this).val();
        $("#selectedOpt").html("retval=" + retval);
    });
});
</script>

```

However, it does not work as expected:

> 
> 1. the div selectedOpt does not show selected value of combobox each time
>  the change event occurs
> 2. If "show underlying effect" is selected (pls try at [url above](http://jqueryui.com/demos/autocomplete/combobox.html)), a standard dropdown list
>  appear. When trying to change value of
>  that dropdown list, then the div
>  selectedOpt is able to show value
>  correctly.
> 
> 
> 

The goal is to have `div selectedOpt` display the selected option of the combobox.
Please advise and please explain why (1) does not work while (2) works.

PS: all neccessary js, css are correctly included.
Thanks for your kind attention.

**SOLUTION FOUND:
<http://robertmarkbramprogrammer.blogspot.com/2010/09/event-handling-with-jquery-autocomplete.html>**

Answer: 
Please change your script to match the code below:

```
<script>
function test()
{ 
var retval = $("[id *=dropdown] :selected").val();
$("#selectedOpt").html("retval=" + retval);
}
</script>

```

And call this script from the server side like this:

```
dropdown.Attributes.Add("onchange","javascript: return test();")

```
To show label or value of combobox in your div you have to include your function as an option. Something like this:

```
$( ".selector" ).autocomplete({
 change: function(event, ui) {
  $("#selectedOpt").html("retval=" + ui.item.value);
 }
});

```

Use ui.item.label if you want a label instead.