I also have the problem that limewire doesn't start. I found a possible reason for the problem on:

http://www.limewire.com/english/content/faq.shtml#sta2

so the answer is:
'Make sure you are connected to the Internet. We’ve noticed that on some modem systems you need to be dialed in (connected to the network) for the application to even appear. We’re currently working to resolve that problem. However, you will not be able to search the Gnutella Network with LimeWire if your connection to the Internet has not been established. LimeWire WILL NOT establish a connection to the Internet for you. You may also have uninstalled LimeWire and the shortcut still appears on your desktop or taskbar. Please update to the latest version by downloading the installer.'

now in my case the problem is that my working place has a firewall. If you have control over your firewall and this is the problem see:

http://www.limewire.com/english/content/firewalls.shtml

I will have to try from home :-( very slow

hope this is helping anyone...

anita