Get the most recent version of Java: MRJ 2.2.6 for OS 9.2.2 http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=120209 You said you had MRJ2.2.5, maximize your Java version.
By the way, what type of computer (model & cpu, HDD, etc.) do you have & how much ram? Keep i mind Limewire can use copious amounts of ram at times. However in OS 9 u do have control over the max it can use, perhaps it isn't enough!