ok i took off all firewall(i think), im still stuck at three bars. which is fair, i can search for music, but wont download!WTF
IS there an easy solution? Someone please help me!

There's no need to turn your Firewall off. You should have it on for your own protection. What you need to do is configure it so it allows LW full access (advisable not to have 2 active firewalls b/c they can interfere with each other); config instructions: Firewall configuration instructions

3 green bars is not too bad! At least you're connected.
* After opening LW wait 10 to 20 mins before using. Let it settle down 1st.

Can you give us a total desciption of your set up:
1. OS version? (eg: Windows 98)
2. What firewalls you have?
3. How much ram?
4. Hard Disk space available?
5. Connection type? (eg: dialup, broadband, cable, etc.)
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers?
7. Where are you trying to connect from (home, school, work, etc.)?
8. What version of Limewire (LW) & Java do you have? (Go to LW's menu Help>About LW...) Will show both LW & Java version.
9. Who is your isp provider?
10. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user.

1.windows xp
2.im using the firewall stright out of the box
3.dont know, new sony vaio, pentium 4 processor
4.200 gb
5.wireless bordband
6.Belkin
7.home
8.LW 4.8.1 Java 1.5.0_0.2
9.mid-west wireless
10. it worked when i had dial-up

Some hints:

* After opening LW wait 10 to 20 mins or longer before using. Let it settle down 1st.

* Don't downld too many files at once.

* See this: To continue files downlding (click on link) & take care which files you choose to downld.

* Don't use the Resume button on all incomplete files. This can have side-fx such as affect LW's connection quality. May queue your files for much much longer. This will also stress LW & your comp. If you use Resume/Find sources then just apply it to a couple or so at one time.