Things to try:

Try this, install FrostWire, open it, let it connect then close it. Then try opening LW again.

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.)

Go to LW's menu bar, Tools -> Options -> Advanced -> Performance & disable all options on that page.

(a) If LW Will Not Connect, __ (b) Problems with the search, __ (c) Hostiles List

See if you can also get FrostWire to connect. Another to try is Phex to see if you have the same problems. FrostWire, Phex & LW should have different connection ports though.

Could try a different connection and listening port to port forward for LW. Try ports between 49152 - 65535. A good one to try is 64049.