xoxo802,

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SHOUT.
Make sure that your XP firewall's off. Double check the LW rules in McAfee, or even remove the current rules & add new ones.

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.

Some people have had connection problems with some of the later Java updates. You can either try updating to the latest version here (I have this one & LW's working fine): Java SE Downloads
or try this older version, which has worked well for lots of people: Archive: Download Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) 5.0 Update 11
Whichever Java version you use, download the JRE offline installer & remove any other Java versions before installing another one.

Who is your ISP (the company that you pay for your internet access)?
Your modem/router (you might have one or both, or a modem-router combo) is a box that plugs into your computer & lets you connect to the net. It'll have lights on it. Have a look at all the things that plug into your computer. If you can't see a brand & model on top, look underneath. If you're connecting wirelessly, the modem/router could be in another room.

11Westwood,

Rather than disabling the XP firewall, turn it back on & configure it to allow LW.
User Cant Connect - LimeWire

Next, delete the prefs folder & try another Java version like I told xoxo802 to do

What's the model of your Netgear router? If the fixes above don't work, go to the site below. Find your router model, click on that & then choose LimeWire from the list of programs...you'll find step-by-step instructions for setting up port forwarding.
PortForward.com - Free Help Setting up Your Router or Firewall
If setting up a static IP's part of the instructions, don't miss that step. LW's listening port, port in the 'manual port forward' box & port forwarded within the router should all be the same number.