Hmm, I do not think it matters what type of email ye use to make y'er account, but some emails may 'ave preferences as to what is junk and what is not. Did ye ever check y'er spam section f'er the activation link? That could be where it ended up in. When I changed m'email on this account, I waited a few days with no luck. Then it occurred to me to check m'spam, and what do ye know-'twas there all along!
It could also be it just didn't send. If that ever does happen to ye again, attempt a log in to the forum and 'twill tell ye 'twasn't activated yet. 'Twill then give ye the option to 'ave another activation email sent to ye.
I hope this helps ye deary. If not, it may 'ave just been bad luck. :/