I downloaded the newer version of lime wire because I had the older one that I downloaded a few years ago and had not updated since then. When I downloaded this new one......all my old music is gone......can I get it back?

Chances are that your files are still there - the default location for saving/sharing files has changed in the later versions of LW. Check out the thread here for more info: If you've updated LW and can't find your downloads!