I've looked around on here and haven't been able to find an answer for this problem...
I downloaded Limewire 4.18.3 and when I double-click the icon on my desktop it comes up as if it is starting up (the green bar at the bottom of the icon that appears fills up as it is loading) and then just disappears. No icon in the tray at the bottom, but I have a desktop icon and can find Limewire from my start menu, but then it won't open.
I removed Limewire, downloaded the latest version of Java, restarted, downloaded Limewire again and still the same problem.
My font size is on normal.
If anyone has any suggestions of what I could try next it would be much appreciated.

My computer (HP Compaq nc6400 w/ Windows XP) came with Symantec Antivirus, could this be causing the problems?

When I click the limewire icon on my desktop, it will not open. Had limewire for along time. Why is this happening? How do I correct this problem?

Try updating your Java: Java SE Downloads
Download the JRE offline installer & remove any other Java versions before installing this one.

Next, delete LW's preferences folder when LW's properly closed. See point 3 here & also point 2 if you've used older versions of LW in the past (there could be a folder in either location).
Fixes for LimeWire
This will change all of your settings within options, you'll have to go back through afterwards & reset things. If you're not sure of your settings, go through LW's tools > options & write them all down, so that you can reset things later.
Vista users: LimeWire Pref Folder in Vista

If that doesn't help, right click on the LW icon > properties > compatibility. Try running in compatibility mode for Win 2000 or NT. Vista users, try compatibility mode for XP.

Do you have Alcohol software installed? If so, look here.
LW starts then close, log: resolve_virtual_call