Just hoping to get some advice.

I purchased a computer game for $13.50 including shipping on January 18. The seller had around 38 positive feedback and only one negative.

So far, I haven't received the item.
I sent two very short (and nice) e-mails
to the seller within the last two weeks and have yet to receive a response.

It's not a rare item, so I could always
purchase it from someone else.

I just need some advice on getting my money back if this appears to be a bust.

I know that I have 30 days to dispute
this through Paypal. At one time would you begin to pursue that process?

How hard is it to do?
Is there a link on Paypal's site?

Do you think I have a good chance of
being successful?

Finally, would you e-mail the seller to
let him know you are planning to go to
Paypal?

If the seller has not replied to you, then I would go ahead and file a buyer's complaint through paypal. They will email the seller. Then the seller has a certain time to replied to the complaint and show delivery confirmation or a refund. I think the time frame is 10 days. If the seller does not respond, then paypal will attempt to collect the money. The kicker is they do not guarante that the money will be collected. The easiest way to find the link on paypal's site is use the help system for protection.

Yeah - I have a 12.50 buy it now dvd that is missing in action and no replies to my emails..

it's frustrating when you hear nothing, but still wonder if it is just slowly coming via media mail

I would give it a few more days to see if it shows up. Try another e-mail with the seller. I'd file the complaint with PayPal on the 25-28th day. After 30+ days, I'd also file a fraud complaint through the Buyer Protection program with eBay. I might or might not try calling the seller during that period after obtaining his contact information through eBay.