If using Norton Firewall, make sure it is properly configured to allow LW, & disable XP firewall because both do clash if run together.

Most ISP's in UK now shape p2p bandwidth. Yes they can detect p2p programs & they will shape the bandwidth so it's much slower.

A good way to check is first to do a speed test. Then do a check with downloading a magnet link via LW. If there is a major difference, then you know your isp is most likely shaping p2p programs.
(a) Choose nearest location for a speed test & only have your browser open: Speed Test Internet Speed Test DSL Speed Test Broadband Speed Test Bandwidth Speed Test but keep in mind speed tests & isp's generally measure speeds in kbps (kilo bits per second, whereas LW measures speeds in KB/b Kilobytes per second. If yours in kbps, then divide it by 8 to give KB/s)

(b) Choose a file to download from here & check the speeds, both maximum & minimum: + MagnetMix.com +: The Source for Good Content which is a website, not another home user!!!

Keep in mind download speeds normally depend on what upload speeds are offered or available by the uploaders. So to get faster speeds you often need to re-search more results. Right click search result tab & choose get more results, this can help.

(c) System details - help us to help you (click on blue link)