I'm not a Mac user, but it sounds as though you're seeing fake files. These will sit connecting for ages & then need sources forever! Stay away from files with a huge number of sources...try a file with 10 sources or less, or a modem source.

Check out the threads below for more info & tips, including how to use Bitzi (a site where other users rate files)

Fake files showing up in search results

How to find music