Thanks for your reply,
The last version was 2.55 pro and yes i have the latest java version which was recommended during the installing of the latest version of limewire.
As for ultrapers i am connecting to, to be honest i dont know, i do have the 'connections' window open, but i do not understand it beyond 'outgoing' and 'incoming'.
'Act as ultrapeer' is enabled as recommended by the software, as you have said this may be my problem.

I will try this out tonight.
Thanks for your reply and i may get back to you soon to let you know how i went.

Paul