I'm using Mac OS 9.2.2 which I used forever. I had to reinstall the OS and after bringing everything back, Limewire (free version) shows it's connecting but yet when I try to search a window says I'm not connected. When I go to the file menu it shows connect is engaged. What is wrong or what have I done wrong? I have uninstalled, redownloaded at least 8 different times and my result is always the same.

It means LW is attempting to connect, but is not actually connected to the gnutella network. Patience is often the best thing. I opened the classic version some hours ago, it took quite a while but it connected fine.

I would recommend going to LW's menu bar, Tools>Options>Startup & turning it off. Then close LW. Re-open, wait 10-15 mins for LW to load everything & settle down. Then go to LW's menu bar, File menu > Connect. Give it plenty of time to try to connect ... up to half an hour.