Which version of Java are you using? The later the better. But on some people's systems one version works better than another! Java 1.4.2 (click on link)
Java 1.5 (take the JRE)

By the way did you try something basic like deleting your LW preferences folder? If you do try it, make a note of all your LW settings 1st b/c you'll need to reset them. Locate .limewire found here: C:/Documents And Settings/your_username/.limewire for Windows NT 4.0 / 2000 / XP. Or for Windows 98 / ME: Your .limewire folder is in "C:\My Documents"

Unless you have a great connection & want to be an ultrapeer, why not disable this: Tools>Options>Speed & tick the Disable Ultrapeer abilities option. And then press the Apply button. You may also want to reduce your uplds to about say 80%.

Do NOT use the Resume function on many files if any. Doing it on too many files WILL result in your files being queued for much, much greater periods of time. It will also give LW's connection quality some testing. It will also use up much/most of LW's resources & ram & make it very slow (as well as your comp.)

After opening LW, depending on how many incomplete files AND how many files you share, wait some time before doing things with LW. LW needs time to load these files & settle down after initially trying to connect with sources at the same time.

If you're not using particular windows then close them. eg: Connections window or monitor window. Another good idea to reduce ram & resources upon LW is to set dwnlds for Auto-clear Completed dwnlds. Just a thought or two!