I just get one bar on the connection bars and the message that I am connecting to the network when I pass the cursor there. Can someone tell me why?

No idea.

YOu provided no information as forum rules requires for connection problems.

System details - help us to help you (click on blue link)

you can try this..it worked for me...first, dlete all versions of limewire on your computer, be sure to check for hidden files (could be stored under roaming) and delete those too. once you have removed limewire completely, go to Download LimeWire, LimeWire 4.16.3 Download where you can download version 4.16.3 of limewire. once you download it, your bars will go from one to five and your connection will be very strong. hope this helps

I think I have a similar problem.

Limewire loads normally but when I type anything in on search I get the message:

Limewire is currently connecting to the network. Your search may not return many results until you are fully connected to the network.

It doesn't give any results at all.

I'll reinstall if I have to but I was just wondering if there was any alternative

For connection problems it's always important to give us System details - help us to help you (click on blue link) as we have no idea what your connection problem might be. We cannot help you without those details. The problem could be your router/modem having internal NAT, it could be your system software firewall, it could be your isp, ... etc.