After the files sit connecting, do they get stuck needing more sources? If that's what's happening, sounds like you're trying to download fake files. Have a look here for some info & tips.

Fake files showing up in search results
How to find music
Try using the All Types search, vary your search terms & stay away from files with huge numbers of sources - try a file with 10 sources or less Don't forget Bitzi lookup for video files!

If you want to get rid of that firewall icon (chances are that other people can't download from you if you're firewalled), you'll probably have to port forward for your Home Hub. Here are the instructions.
http://www.portforward.com/english/r...b/Limewire.htm

Don't worry about "enabling open information sharing"...it always says that