There have been a few buggy LW versions that caused that issue. However your problem is probably either system overload, java problems, or LW overload.

A few optional things to try:

1. Tip: Purge the Downloads Queue! (click on blue link)

2. Go to LW's menu bar, Tools > Options > Advanced > Performance & disable all options on that page.

3. Could also try steps 1 & 3 here Fixes for Limewire (click on blue link). Perhaps the version of Java you are using is not totally friendly to your personal set up ... perhaps a roll back to a slightly older version is the trick. Also, LW prefs can become mucked up sometimes.

4. If you share a lot of files (over 1,000), then ... If you download a lot of video files, and share a lot of files, then try sharing less of one type. eg: Instead of sharing ALL your video files.... just choose a selection. This may mean less strain on LW. (go to LW's Library window, choose the folder your shared files are in, right-click those you feel are not high priority to share, & choose stop sharing. However, only do this to some, not all .. just to reduce load a little.)

5. If using an external hard disk drive, don't share as much from it, LW seems to have problems with external drives, especially slow ones.