I downloaded the LM program but every time I try to start it the title screen comes up but then I get a message saying "this program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down" When I click the details button on the message it says

"LIMEWIRE caused an invalid page fault in
module NET.DLL at 0177:6d4ca6bd.
Registers:
EAX=6d4ca6bd CS=0177 EIP=6d4ca6bd EFLGS=00010a86
EBX=816a44cc SS=017f ESP=0065ce9c EBP=0065d060
ECX=d00ebf50 DS=017f ESI=6d4c0000 FS=1327
EDX=c00309cc ES=017f EDI=00000000 GS=0000
Bytes at CS:EIP:
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
Stack dump:
bff7ddd6 6d4c0000 00000001 00000000 00000000 6d4c0000 816a44cc 816a4488 816ab43c 816ab450 d00ebf50 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 00000000 "

To answer the basic questions:
I'm on windows 98SE
No firewall that I'm aware of
63 MB of ram
I couldn't find an amount for hard disk space
I have a cable broadband connection through a Belkin wireless USB network adapter and Belkin wireless G router set up at the house here
Newest LM version
ISP is Insight Communications
Test page worked
Not my first time using LM but is first time with this PC
And I live in the USA
And I checked my security settings and they all look ok to me.
I even put limewire.com in as a trusted site and still no effect.

No mention of Java version. You need Java 1.5 or later. Install java using the Offline instaler. Try removing all Java versions & reinstall java using OFFLINE installer Download Java software from Sun Microsystems

You previously used LW, which version?

Run this small utility: Crap Cleaner

Try deleting your LW Preferences folder whilst LW is closed; instructions here: Point #2 & 3 in Fixes for Limewire (sample image included at bottom of page.)

Oops I missed the bit about first time on this computer.

Also try the step about Admin. in the above link.

OK It will start and everything but it is running so freakin slow it's insane. Why is it running so slow?