i have the same problem also.. i have the latest limewire and latest java.. i am connected and have lots of disk space.. although, i can do searches but when i try ro click download to whatever song, it just wouldn't start.. i was able to dl some skins but that was it.. no songs or anything else. and it's not the license thing also.. help...

After it sits 'connecting' for ages, does it go straight to 'need more sources'?

Sounds like you're trying to download fake files. These things are all over the place lately & won't ever connect.
Search again. Vary your search terms - look for artist or album rather than song title. Try the All Types search. Stay away from files with huge numbers of sources, I go for files with 10 sources or less