Leaf mode is normal. Only a few people will become ultrapeers. Ultrapeers are users that help you connect to the network & they also filter out a lot of unnecessary traffic. You need a very healthy connection to be a UP & only if the network needs more UP's at that time.
You have connection problems.
Did you configure your firewall so it allows LW full access (advisable not to have 2 active firewalls b/c they can interfere with each other);
Firewall configuration instructions (click on link)
Can you give us a total desciption of your set up:
1. OS version? (eg: Windows 98)
2. What firewalls you have?
3. How much 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 (Internet Service Provider)?
10. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? If yes, please give details of set up.
11. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user.
12. After LW's been open for at least 15 mins, do this test:
Bug Report instructions & sample image Is the result True/False? If false, then you have a firewall issue. Either your softw firewall or your modem/router.