my download speed is only 0-1kb/s. can someone please tell me whether this is normal?
and will downloading many things at a time affect the speed?
i'm using lw pro on a 512 broadband connection and using xp sp2.

you should make sure your setting are set to broadband connection.

i aready did that. what more can i do?

go to Limewire options and change your downloads & upload settings. Check your bandwidth speed in Limewire. are you behind a firewall? if so, turn off your windows firewall while downloading.

xp 2 service pack may not allow you to download unless you change your settings in it to accept incoming files.