I've downloaded the limewire software succesfully, but when i go to open it, it doesnt come up on the screen. but it will show that it is open on the bottom on the screen in my status bar, when i click on it, it still wont come up. What steps do i need to take to make it show up on the screen?

Maybe this won't fix your problem but 1st try: change to win 2k compatibility; for instructions see Fixes for Limewire (point 4 I think!)

If that doesn't work, try the java 1.4.2 & see the llink from the above page link.