maphuta--the search button is enabled when you are connected. If you are having connection problems, about all you can do is try to ensure you get an clear connection to the network (which may be out of your reach if your network admin/ISP is blocking/filtering file sharing programs).

try clicking on this link

http://www3.limewire.com:6346/

it should say "Your test page was a success!", meaning that you do have an open path to the network via port 6346.

Let me know how it goes.