Adlib can you give us a total desciption of your set up:
1. OS version? (eg: Windows 98)
2. What firewalls you have?
3. ram?
4. Hard Disk space available?
5. Connection type? (eg: dialup, broadband, cable, etc.)
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers?
7. Where are you trying to connect from (home, school, work, etc.)?
8. What version of Limewire (LW) & Java do you have? (Go to LW's menu Help>About LW...) Will show both LW & Java version.
9. Who is your isp provider?
10. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user.

For XP firewall see: http://www.limewire.com/english/content/firewalls.shtml
For Norton firewall if you have it see: Configuring Norton Internet Security

Remember this is not Limewire here. This is the Gnutella Forums. If you have a complaint about LW then write your problems to customer support. We are volunteers here. Keep this in mind http://www.limewire.com/english/content/refund.shtml