Make a note of all your important options settings under Tools>Options such as save location, etc. Then 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.) Next time you open LW it will ask you to reset your options as though you're using it for the 1st time. Tell us if that has any beneficial effect.

Just tried this and there was no change. I have also tried removing LW and the Java app it needs and re-installing them but again to encounter the same problem