"Where" statement question

Just wondering if this is possible. If you have a statement that looks like...
SELECT *
FROM database
WHERE "something" = 12

Is is possible to put the "something" equal to a runtime variable? The reason I was to do this is because I want the user to be able to query whatever column they wish.
Ta guys

Typical, I ask a question before I actually try it out myself. I'm using dreamweaver to form the statements so as in the example

SELECT *
FROM database
Where "something" = 12

I just put quotes around the variable name and the added the variable string in my asp code. Sorry foe the initial post!