See if this post helps with the missing buttons.
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/230100-post7.html

Which version of Java are you using?

The preferences folder's hidden by default...see here for how to show hidden files & folders in Vista.
http://www.gnutellaforums.com/genera...der-vista.html
Fixes for LimeWire when LW isn't operating as it should

Did the installation actually finish?? Unless LW's properly installed, I'm not sure that you'll have a preferences folder.