CD/DVD read/write that I can use with my new generation 24" Mac running Monterey?

I have TWO apple devices and neither works. I got a message from the computer to attach the device to a powered outlet rather than via a hub. I tried this with both types of outlets (four total) on my machine, with a USB to C cp connection, and neither worked--neither device and neither connection. Is this usual or is something awry already? I have tons of photos on CDs that I would like to be able to access.. If the Apple readers won't work, has anyone found one that will? Thanks.