Is your LW connected (all green/blue connection bars)? If it is, try the fixes below.
1. In LW go tools > options > searching > basic & check whether the 'show license warning' box is ticked. If it does, untick it > Apply > ok...see if that makes any difference.
2.
Problems with the search
3. Delete LW's preferences folder when LW's properly closed. See point 3 here & also point 2 if you've used older versions of LW in the past (there could be a folder in either location).
Fixes for LimeWire
This will change all of your settings within LW's options, you'll have to go back through afterwards & reset everything.
If LW isn't connected, please give us your details.
System details - help us to help you -> Provide these details when you post!!!(click on link)