Hey all I think I figured it out with help from the windstream tech.
I am using OS xp sp 2 and connecting with a windstream\siemans 4200 modem. Go to the address bar and type in 192.168.254.254 and enter
this takes you to another page to the left of the screen click on settings, firewall, level. it probably says medium for the level. below it click the arrow and set it to off then click apply and X out of the screen thats it and I now have all bars lit on the limewire screen amd downloaded some stuff to check it and it works great. this may be a reason that folks are getting poor service through them as far as the download & upload speeds. please let me know if this works.
Stiddy