What version of Java are you using? Try this one. Use the JRE offline installer & remove your current Java version before installing this one
Archive: Download Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) 5.0 Update 11

Then reinstall LW & make sure to use the offline installer (click to download LW, when the box pops up asking if you want to save, click cancel...now you'll see an option to use the offline installer).

Also try these:
Tip: Purge the Downloads Queue!

Delete LW's preferences folder when LW's properly closed, see points 2 & 3 in the thread here Fixes for LimeWire

If you're getting the blue screen, read this thread for more info.
Limewire and Blue Screen of Death (click on link)

How do I know which Java version I am using? I thought Java was a programming language? How does this fit in with the problem I am experiencing? I am using Windows XP on my PC and I have the latest LW version downloaded - don't know if that helps!

Just from reading another thread where a person had the same problem, one of the suggested fixes was to reinstall Java. As some people have had trouble with the latest Java update 1.6.0_01 I suggested using an older version which is known to be a bit more reliable.

LW's written in Java. Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is software that allows you to run Java based apps...like LW.

Go to your control panel > add/remove programs & your Java version should be listed.

If you don't want to reinstall Java that's up to you...it was just a suggestion.