I am trying to add a web part zone to the default.aspx in a custom
site definition (team site). I want to replace the Home logo with a
web part zone so that our users can insert an image there without
using front page. However when I try to add a zone there I get an
error:

"WebPart and controls must live in a runat='server'
HtmlForm.WebPartZone"

When I change the location of the <form runat = "server"> I get this
error "An unexpected error has occurred"

Anyone tried doing this? Is this possible?

I did not have a problem doing the same for an area custom site
definition.