Last Paycheck?

I worked a job last summer, and never got my last paycheck. In the winter, I started bugging them about it, because they hadn't sent me my W2, either. Eventually, I got them to send my W2, but they said they had to reprint the check, and then they would send it to me. Now, when I try to call, the owner is extremely hard to get a hold of (I know when I worked there, he was hardly ever in), and he told the manager that he doesn't remember me and has no idea who I am. Now the manager doesn't work there anymore, so I don't really have anyone on the inside who can help me.

I live in a different state now, so I don't think I can take the owner to small claims court, as I can't actually appear in court. Does anyone have any ideas?

(The paycheck is for over $400 and I really need the money - the plane ticket to fly out there and take him to court would cost that much, though.)