If you can find what you want with BS much more easily then use BS. But it sounds like you haven't properly configured LW.
Have you configured your firewalls to allow LW full access?:
http://www.limewire.com/english/content/firewalls.shtml
Do you have up to date Java (not the Java 1.3 that LW installs as the minimum requirement):
Java 1.5 (take the JRE)
Some hints about optimising LW: A well set-up LW can start to automatically continue its dwnlding after it's settled down perhaps 2 out of 3 times you open LW.
Optimising LW & Maximising Uplds & Dwnlds A (1st post only) & also
Part B which is even better & last & least are
search & dwnld hints. The latter one I've been thinking about re-writing for some time. That's just for playing it safe. eg- I show all speeds & qualities.
Don't use the Resume/Find Sources button on many if any files. Manual searches are much more effective & healthier for LW & the network.