Making leaf mold.

I had read, that leaves piled up will become leaf mold in a year or two, without turning, and without any attention.
I had read that one could speed the process by mowing the leaves first, but I didn't have that option.

So I left some leaves in a bin for 2-3 years and this season thot, "alriight, I've got leaf mold!"

but what I've got is leaves that are somewhat crumbly, but by no means leaf mold.

I'm wondering what I did wrong--
One thing that occurs to me is that I did not water the pile during dry times. I don't remember reading that, but it kinda makes sense to be that I should have done that.

Any other ideas?

I can still hope to turn my 2-3 year old leaves into leaf mold, if I discover what I should do.

Thanks!