I had pretty much the same problem as listed above. While using the same os and limewire 4.14.12 pro i am using eset smart security 3.

Method described below looks long winded but is infact very straight forward.

Try uninstalling limewire, and removing all traces of left over data .i.e

c:\program files\limewire

C:\Documents and Settings\"user"\Application Data\LimeWire

Or hit start, search and type in "limewire." Delete everything containing "limewire." (But not the setup file if it is the latest version)

Also remove the settings associated with limewire from your firewall.

Then go to Start, Run, and type in regedit.

Find and expand "HKEY_CURRENT_USER", Then look for "software" and expand also.

Seek the entry "Limewire" and delete.

Now locate "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" expand, look for "software" and again expand. Seek the "Limewire" entry and delete also.

Once completed restart system.

Now check all network settings are correct. (I.e. you are able to connect to the internet and other applications can access the internet also.)

Also make sure latest java version is installed. Obtain from java.com: Hot Games, Cool Apps

Obtain latest limewire setup file 4.14.12 and install limewire with your preferred settings, and allowing traffic when prompted by the firewall. You may get a series of more than one prompt.

Upon starting if the problem still persists, which is more than likely, in limewire click "Tools" then "Options."

Find the entry "Advanced" expand, and select "Performance."

Three tick boxes should be visible named

"Disable Ultrapeer Capabilities"

"Disable Mojito DHT Capabilities"

"Disable TLS Capabilities"

Tick all three boxes and click "Apply."

At this point you may be prompted by your firewall to allow inbound traffic for the application "limewire." If so then allow.

Now you may witness a change in the connection status.

If not restart the application and untick the three boxes as mentioned above, "apply" changes and restart application.

Now upon excution of Limewire, fingers crossed, you should be able to connect.

Hope this helps.