InstallAware

I'm installing the MSDE prior to running the Apply Install command, and then executing the Control Services command after the Apply Install command to start up the MSDE service. I'm getting an error stating the following: "Service ''() failed to start. Verify that you have sufficient privileges to start system services"
My questions are these:
1. The name of the service for the MSDE is MSSQL$INSTANCENAME. Is the $ messing up the command in some way? I know that the $VARIABLE$ syntax is an installAware method of passing variable content into string literals, so i was wondering if the single $ was causing a problem.
2. If I can't figure this issue out, is there a way to issue a NET START dos command from the setup routine?
Thanks ahead of time.

If you have a single dollar sign, I do not think that would be confusing InstallAware as a variable or syntax error.
If you are calling Control Service after your Apply Install, unless you call Apply Install again, Control Service will not execute. Since you are installing MSDE before Apply Install, I'd recommend you also put the Control Service before Apply Install.
You can of course try the NET START command using the Run Program or Run Program As functions, whichever one you find more convenient.