Hmm--so java won't draw your downloads list when you click on a search tab that has a number, even after a restart. Some component has been lost. OSX? Limewire? Java?

If you already did the usual OSX usual troubleshooting (safe boot/repair permissions), try the uninstall LW/download latest version/reinstall step. If all goes well, great: if not, find the limewire files the uninstaller doesn't touch (use the Finder to search for "limew" and trash those files (this means losing all your prefs and having to hash all the shared files again). I only trash my incomplete folder and files when I want to really start clean.

Reinstalling the java update doesn't hurt either.

do post back with what worked to help others, or if you need links and more info.

Cheers