I've had the same problem with the one bar continuous connection. Details:
1. OS version? Vista with an Admin account.
2. What firewalls you have? Norton 360 (not used) and Window Firewall (used)
3. How much ram? 2GB
4. Hard Disk space available? 270GB
5. Connection type? (eg: dialup, broadband, cable, etc.)
6. Modem & router brand name & model numbers? iPrimus modem (unknown model) and DLink Air Wireless Router (# Unknown)
7. Where are you trying to connect from (house, appartment complex, school, student accomodation, work, etc.)? House.
8. What version of LimeWire (LW) & Java do you have? (Go to LW's menu Help>About LW...) Will show both LW & Java version. LW: 4.16.7 Java 1.6.0_05
9. Who is your ISP (Internet Service Provider)? iPrimus (Mozilla Firefox Browser)
10. Do this simple test for us. Using your browser go here: http://www3.limewire.com:6346/ The page should say 'Your test worked!'. What happens when you go there? It said "Your test worked!!"
11. Are you sharing the connection with other computers or p2p sharing programs? If yes, please give details of set up. I share my connection with one other computer, via the router. No P2P sharing though.
12. Is this a your 1st try at LW or is this a new problem with an experienced user. I've been using LW for more than a year, and yesterday was the first time it had a problem.
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 am connected via wireless router. I don't know about the UPnP or port forwarding.
15. What security programs are you using (antivirus etc)? Some people might not be aware that their security suite includes a firewall Norton 360.
16. What country are you living in? Sometimes there are ISPs with the same name in more than one country (eg Clearwire in the USA & also in Ireland). Australia.

I don't know how or why LW isn't working. I didn't change anything... it just won't go past 1 bar connection. I've tried many solutions offered (FW settings, etc.) but nothing is working.