superdrive won't accept discs

Did it work when you did that? Here are the instructions: Reset the SMC of your Mac - Apple Support

Be sure to connect the Superdrive either directly to the Mac or through a powered USB hub. Refer to How to connect the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support.

actually, in almost all cases, connecting a superdrive through a hub, powered or not, will not work. it needs to be connected direct. and with Macs that only have TB3 ports, you need an USB-C to USB Adapter to connect it direct.