I'm having almost exactly the same problem!

I used to have no problems with Limewire - but after not using it for a while, I have updated to v. 1.6 and now, no connection!

Autoconnect doesn't even attempt to work, and my Connect button on the 'Connections' tab is dead. When I try to force a connection through the 'Community' tab, it makes a bit of a feeble effort, but gives up after a few seconds and disconnects again!

Help!