My computer is protected by several programs and yet I've shut each of them down. The Windows Firewall is off, my virus software is off and yet I still can't get my own IP address to share with my friend. Therefore I can't share my files. How do I fix this?

Here's the quote:
"Your computer is behind a firewall or router and cannot receive direct connections."

Could you please give us your details?
System details - help us to help you -> Provide these details when you post!!!(click on link)

Jeez, all I want is how to fix it, I tried everywhere else and no one has an easy answer anymore.

1. OS version? XP SP2
2. What firewalls you have? I'm sure Windows is the only one, but McAfee probably has one too
3. How much ram? Recent upgrade to 512MB
4. Hard Disk space available? 77 GB
5. Connection type? DSL
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers? No idea
7. Where are you trying to connect from? My home
8. What version of LimeWire (LW) & Java do you have? Both are most recent.
9. Who is your ISP? Verizon
10. Do this simple test for us. What happens when you go there? It worked
11. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? No
12. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user. First try
13. Do you see a brick wall in front of the blue world icon at the bottom of LW's interface? _Yes
14. For those using a modem/router, how is your modem/router set up...are you port forwarding or is UPnP enabled? I couldn't tell you.
15. What security programs are you using (antivirus etc)? McAfee
16. What country are you living in? US

Jeez, we only wanted some details so that we could help you...you think we have a magic wand??? If there was one easy answer for everyone, don't you think we'd have a big sticky of that in every section? How are we supposed to help you if we don't know your setup? Maybe we could read your mind

Don't run 2 software firewalls together...they'll conflict & you won't be more protected. Choose either Windows or McAfee firewall, configure that to allow LW & turn the other firewall off.

Your modem/router might have it's own internal firewall...most do. If you can find out the brand & model, look for it in the list here.
PortForward.com - Free Help Setting up Your Router or Firewall
Then set up port forwarding for your router. If setting up a static IP address is part of the instructions, don't forget that step. LW's listening port, port in the 'manual port forward' box & port forwarded within the router setup should all be the same number.