I used to have no problems, now with my new emac, I've downloaded limewire and when I go to search I get the message, "Limewire is currently connected to the network. Your search may not return many results until you are fully connected to the network." The search takes forever and I get nothing! Could it be that I am blocked here at school?

Many schools nowadays deliberately block p2p use. They may target the app or block the ports they use.

Is there any way around it?

Very difficult. You can try by asking one of the network technicians about the possibility & any ways around it (such as opening up port 6346 or/& making exceptions to Limewire to the app list.) The newest beta version (LW 4.3) released today is supposed to make it easier connecting thru firewalls & will soon be released as LW 4.4 (as soon as they're happy with it & added a couple more things.) Go to the LW Beta Program section to find out more.

Other things you can try is:
1. Force IP: Force IP instructions & sample image
2. Try a different port number to connect thru (see LW's Prefs>Advanced>Port & pressing Apply after any changes.)
3. Try the Jum Build