If you're uplding it helps but not necessary. You'll get better results though.
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. Do this test: Bug Report instructions & sample image Is the result True/False? If false there may be firewall issue.

Configure your firewall to give LW full access here: http://www.limewire.com/english/content/firewalls.shtml
It's not recommended to use 2 firewall since they can interfere with each other.