Trouble with Function in If then statement

I've tested my variable many different ways and I think there's a syntax problem that I just don't know how to deal with.

How do you correctly start the _ie function in this statement?  Is there a trick.  My variables do equal each other and I've verified. 

Thanks in advance!

If $prefix = $currentbranch Then _ExcelWriteCell($oExcel, $consolwgt, $row, 2)