Who is your ISP ??
What Java version are you using at the moment as well ??

wondering why, apologies for not responding sooner, I have been away for a few days. My ISP is AOL but being a beginner I am unable to tell you which version of Java I have. When I click on Java and then Properties it says alongside File Type-- File Folder...luya56

Wondering why, I should have looked in my program control in the first place. The Java version is 5.0110.3 Regards ...luya56

You could try these fixes...
Try uninstalling all versions of Java from the add/remove programs and then re-install the JRE 5.11 offline version....
Archive: Download Java 2 Platform Standard Edition (J2SE) 5.0 Update 11

If that does not help with your problem try deleting your preference folder/s...
Fixes for Limewire when LW isn't operating as it should

But I really think your firewall may be due to your ISP...
Digital Spy Forums - AOL Speed Trouble
» AOL 9 Client Reported As Badware And Dangerous » Soft32.com News
How to Use AOL® Firewall

Hi, again, luya56...

A simple thought re: your problem...

What I wonder is whether or not you may have performed an update of your XP Home installation ?

Especially an update that involved installing Windows XP Service Pack 2.
(XP Service Pack 2 is a bit notorious as it includes a 'built-in' firewall that is enabled as default. Best to disable it.)

Perhaps, because of your relatively small bandwidth capacity, you had avoided Microsoft updates in the past but now you have done the SP2 update ???

I am also a bit confused as you state that you are using the Conexant Soft K56 Modem AND another Modem/Router, the BT Voyager...
You are not using both. Perhaps the Conexant is for a FAX line or something ?

And, a little later... Right- I checked the BT Voyager 105... It's an ADSL modem router so, there goes all that sympathy for you re: your slow dial-up connection...
:p
But, this only reinforces my thought that it is possible that you did do the XP SP2 update fairly recently and the SP2 firewall may be the culprit !