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CD/DVD external drive not working

Have external apple CD/DVD drive; won't connect thru USB-C adapter to MacBook pro (new M1 chip) or Mac Mini upgraded to Monterey OS. Anyone else have this issue? notification banner says to plug into USB port on machine; and am doing that thru the USB-A to USB-c multi adaptor but CD player won't work/start up.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 12.1

Posted on Jan 29, 2022 1:24 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 5, 2022 8:13 PM

jrmmac Said:

"CD/DVD external drive not working: this helped. I found that 3rd party hub like USB-c adapters don't work. Apples USB-C to USB adapter worked."

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👍 Excellent job troubleshooting!

5 replies

Jan 31, 2022 10:52 PM in response to jrmmac

Have same problem connecting the Apple CD/DVD external drive with Anker hub adapter to MacBook Pro M1. Screen prompt states that there isn't enough power and to connect the drive's USB cable directly into the computer's USB-C port. Can't connect directly as the old USB cable is permanently attached to the external drive. How do you get the additional power and connect without an adapter?

Jan 29, 2022 3:50 PM in response to jrmmac

jrmmac Said:

"CD/DVD external drive not working: Have external apple CD/DVD drive; won't connect thru USB-C adapter to MacBook pro (new M1 chip) or Mac Mini upgraded to Monterey OS. Anyone else have this issue? notification banner says to plug into USB port on machine; and am doing that thru the USB-A to USB-c multi adaptor but CD player won't work/start up."

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Troubleshooting Apple SuperDrive:


What to Try:

A. Verify the connection

Is there a Drive Even Seen?:

To Find Out:

  1. Go to: Apple menu
  2. Select: About this Mac
  3. Click: System Report... button
  4. View: Hardware on left-column
  5. Click: Disc Burning
  6. Confirm if a Superdrive is Even Seen


B. Try Using a New Administrator User:

See what happens when you create a new Administrator User and login to it and perform and eject. If it works, then it is something misconfigured in your current user.


C. Connect to a Different Mac:

Connect this to a difference Mac, seeing if you can get it to work. If you don't have another Mac, ask someone else (i.e. friend or family member) if you may use their Mac(with their permission, or course).


D. Boot in Safe Mode:

In Safe ModeLogin Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another update install. For instructions, go here: How to Use safe Mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Jan 31, 2022 11:55 PM in response to iPod Pal

jrmmac Said:

"CD/DVD external drive not working: […]How do you get the additional power and connect without an adapter?

———-


Using a SuperDrive with a M1 MBP:


Use of a Hub:

If a direct connection won’t work, then you’ll need an additional adapter of sorts. Get a hub —not a splitter —with external power. It would have to be a USB-C(male)—to—USB-A(female) hub.


Researching this:

With a bit of research (in regards to compatibility and successful-usage reviews), you’d likely find one on Amazon.com and Newegg.com.

CD/DVD external drive not working

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