yes that is what rkapsi is saying LimeWire basic is completly free, and has been AFAIK.

here is a link to the official LimeWire Website where you can download the basic version for free.
http://www.limewire.com/english/cont...loadfree.shtml

It appears you were scammed I'm sorry to say, but you are not the 1st and won't be the last, as long as those sites are allowed to be operational.