M1 iMac won't recognize external DVD/CD drive

The disk spins up in the drive but iMac doesn't see or mount it. Disk Utility does not see it. I'm running Monterey OS. It's a third-party LG disk drive. I've successfully used it before, though possibly not since getting the M1.

I found this same question here in the Community, but no answers other than "buy an expensive Apple Superdrive."

What I have tried:

• Tried using the drive via a powered USB hub, and tried plugging directly into the Mac
• Made sure I have checked the boxes to make external disks visible
• Rebooted the computer
• Checked the drive's cable
• Tried multiple DVD and CD disks
• Attempting to get info from LG on compatibility issues. No word yet.

If anyone has run across this issue and solved it, let me know. Thanks!