Forms in a template

Hi folks – the newbie strikes again ??
I have a test template to work on concepts for my site – works OK.
I have a email php form script that I have working in other sites. I placed the code into my test template – the form shows and works but when I submit – no email generates. I know this is strickly not a WP issue.
But the php seems to be working – like the template is PHP. but the
<form method=”POST” action=”index.php”> isnt working
My real skills arent that great – i also tried pointing the action to itself to force the php handler to run – no go.
I think Im missing something about either WP or forms or PHP or something. Like this script works immediately with no alteration elsewhere.
Oh – yes Im using Ryans contact form plugin for contacts – its cool.
But I need customised forms/inputs – as bad as my design is ??
any ideas – Thanks