SQL Server 2005 Express Edition won't start under certain ..

We have this general problem: When the logon account for the SQL Server
service is set to Local Service or Network Service, SQL Server fails to start
and emits this message: "Windows could not start the SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER)
on Local Computer. For more information, review the System Event Log. If this
is a non-Microsoft service, contact the service vendor, and refer to
service-specific error code 17058." An ERRORLOG is not produced for the
failed start.

If the Local System account is selected for log on, SQL Server starts
without a problem.

Other services run without a problem under the Local Service or Network
Service logon.

Versions:
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition 9.00.3068.00.
Windows XP SP2 5.1.2600

What's up with that?

Also, what's the best-practices built-in account to use as the logon for the
SQL Server service?

TIA,

-pmt