What the heck is wrong with my XP install?

[PCMusicGuy]

I really hate Windows XP Pro sometimes. Just finished a new build tonight, downloaded all updates and set Windows to adjust for best performance and put the classic start menu back. For some reason, everytime I restart the computer the standard XP (big green start button, blue taskbar) theme comes back but. I go and look at the performance settings and it's still set to "adjust for best performance". I have to click on another option, then back on adjust for best performance, then click apply before I get my standard, no frills, gray taskbar back. What gives? I've never had this happen on my laptop running XP Pro, but it is 4 years old so it never came with SP2. I'd really appreciate feedback on this. Thanks.