I haven't received an item I purchased and it has expired so I can't contact help. WDID?

[vauclause]

I bought two items off of a seller about 6 months ago and I received one of them after about 2 weeks but the second one never arrived. I sent several messages asking where the other item was and if I could have my money back. I spent my time waiting for a reply unaware that the item would expire and I wouldn't be able to get help by contacting eBay. The item was a couple of a hundred dollars so I'm very concerned about this. What do I do from here?

[kopenhagen5]

If paid by PayPal you have 30 days in eBay and 180 days in PayPal to open a case.

But if it is beyond that, remember to not leave it so late in future.