So I opened the right ports (I think), and it still won't connect. I basically just need someone to step me through what I need to do. I have absolutely no idea where to go next.

You'll need to post your details. System details - help us to help you -> Provide these details when you post!!!

__________________
If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

1) Windows Vista
2) McAfee, Windows, and router. there's probably more, but those are the ones I know about.
3)894 MB RAM
4) 100GB Free Hard Drive Space
5) DSL Connection through router.
6) Netgear WGR614 router and Speedstream 5263
7) home
8) 4.12.15
9) earthlink
10)The connection has timed out
The server at www3.limewire.com is taking too long to respond.
11) There are three computers on my network. two are laptops which connect wirelessly. I only have limewire on one of them. I can't connect to limewire even when nobody else is using the internet.
12) this is the first time this has happened to me.
13) yep.
14) I've port forwarded limewire for my router.
15) McAfee SecurityCenter--I can allow IPs through the firewall, but not programs.
16) US of A

McAfee is known to cause problems. See this thread: Vista + McAfee 2007 + LimeWire = dropping connection.

And http://www.gnutellaforums.com/general-vista-support/

__________________
If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!