I changed my port to what you said, found some real files, updated my java, found out other people can download from me, and restarted my computer, but still my downloads never get over 3/4 kbps, and most of the time sit at 0 or won't even begin. Anymore suggestions? Also, I connect to my modem through USB, and I have no idea who, or if anyone here on base has anything to do with the cable, I don't think anyone does. So charter is known to shape bandwidth to p2p, is there anyway i can work around that? Would torrents also be effected by this, I tried that recently as well without much luck.

Download a file from here & see what speed you get
http://www.magnetmix.com/video.shtml

If Charter is the problem, there's not too much you can do. Have a look through the thread below, might be something there although it's probably more for people whose ISPs are blocking rather than shaping.
A Fix for those whose ISP's block Limewire

Some ISPs shape at certain times, their 'peak' hours...try downloading at different times of day & see if there's any difference.
Do other people there use LW? If so, find out what they've done to get it working.

i tried downloading from that site and it never started, needed more sources.