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Maybe this appears as a trick question (which isn't my intention), but if a person doesn't believe in Jesus as their savior (unbeliever) how can they recieve the Holy Spirit? I would say that only believers can recieve the Holy Spirit (based on the Bible).

That's the problem with relying on human reason and human assumptions when trying to fathom the working of God. If you'll pardon the personal aside, I have direct experience to tell me that your statement is wrong.

I was an unbeliever, and the Holy Spirit spoke to me -- before I believed in Jesus Christ. And I can very precisely point to the moment where the Holy Spirit convinced me to believe in Jesus Christ.

I think you'll find that a lot of adult converts will tell you the same thing.

The problem with your take on things is that you're reducing God to a mechanical phenomenon -- do X, and Y occurs. But as the Bible shows time and time again, God works as He will, and not necessarily as we'd expect Him to work.

I was an unbeliever, and the Holy Spirit spoke to me -- before I believed in Jesus Christ.

I understand what you are saying and agree that the Holy Spirit does speak to our spirit about salvation while we are unbelievers. However, speaking to us about our lost condition and the gift of salvation is different from living in us and being sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Rev. 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

That's why the Gospel of Jesus must be preached so that the unbelievers can hear the Spirit of God knock on their hearts door.

Romans 10:13-15 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!