If you're connecting from work, then you'll be connecting from a network right? Chances are the main machines are running xp for max protection. Unfortunately you won't have control over them or the connection devices. If you might have some control then please say.
Red HAT 9? I thought that had something to do with Linux? But I know nothing about ... lol
Do this simple test for us. Using your browser go here:
http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ The page should say ‘Test Page was a Success’. What happens when you go there?
You can try some of these fixes but using win 98 they won't all be applicable:
Fixes for Limewire Leave LW on for some time to give it a chance to connect.