Hi chancemax.
It sounds like possably a corrupt java download, &/or L/W Prefs folder prob
First! close L/W completly, then Go,
START/My Computer/local disc C:/ Documents & settings/Your User Name/Application Data
Now Delete the LimeWire Folder.
Now! Go to,
START/Set Program Access/Change or Remove Programs,
now completely remove all versions of java.
Now! Use this Link to get JRE 6 Use the off line installer NOT the (recormended) one, disconnect from internet, close ALL apps n reinstall
java. Follow thease instructions exactly.
http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/index.jsp
If this dosent fix it then I think you have SPYware and or virus.
I think you may need these links for later.
http://www.peerguardian.sourceforge.net/ http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/index.html ......SPYBOT S.n.D.
Peace.