I have basically the same problem. My internet connection is perfect, my limewire was automatically listed as an exception for my Windows firewall, and I don't presently have a specific antivirus program. I've even tried creating new ports for limewire in the firewall. Even with all of that, though, my limewire still won't fully connect, and it just shows the last bar. It doesn't even tell me that it can't seem to connect, it just...doesn't fully connect. Just what in the world is going on here...