Regional Jet CL65; Undifferentiated or Other Model
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Human-Machine Interface; Confusion; Distraction
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Airspace Structure
Before the event occurred; there was a VFR aircraft; Aircraft X; inbound to ZZZ from the north that no one had communication with.  I took a point out on the aircraft and the AR2 Controller agreed to work it into ZZZ when/if communications were reestablished.  Aircraft Y was inbound from the south and was cleared for the visual approach to Runway XXL.  DR3 sector called for a release off of ZZZ1; I told them to hold.  Communication was finally established with Aircraft X.  Flight data was closed so I asked the Supervisor for a strip on the departure.  Aircraft Z was now inbound over the top of ZZZ southbound descending to 6;000 FT.  I again asked for the Supervisor to get the departure strip for me; as he hadn't after my first request.  He was busy assisting the Controller next to me that had the previously NORDO aircraft.  I descended Aircraft Z to 5;000 FT and put him on a downwind.  The downwind turn put Aircraft Z on a converging course; co-altitude with Aircraft Y.  As soon as I realized the conflict I told Aircraft Z 'turn right heading 180; expedite.'  I then went to Aircraft Y and told him 'turn right heading 360.'  Neither aircraft took the turns given.  Aircraft Z turned somewhat; maybe 20 degrees; then called me again asking what heading.  Aircraft Y continued on his present heading.  Separation was lost. Less time would have been focused elsewhere if flight data had been open.  It took a lot of focus off of the scope having to ask twice for a strip that I should have already had in front of me.  Also I think I need to focus a little closer when an unusual occurrence is near.
Approach Controller reported a loss of separation between two arrivals; citing distraction caused by a flight data issue and a NORDO aircraft in the area.