User profile for user: LuckyLindy97
LuckyLindy97 Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

External DVD Player Won't Connect

I have a Macbook Air (2020) and am trying to connect a LG slim external dvd drive. I purchased a USB to

USB-C converter cord from Apple to connect the two. But while there is some connection made (I can open the drive and the light comes on), nothing pops up on my desktop and the drive isn't reading the disc when I put one in. I tested the cord and the drive with other devices and they worked just fine. Also consulted with employees at two major tech stores and they had no idea. Any thoughts?

Posted on Jan 17, 2025 4:54 PM

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User profile for user: SergZak
SergZak
User level: Level 6
10,672 points

Posted on Jan 18, 2025 9:03 PM

You'll need to connect the external DVD drive to the Macbook through a powered USB hub. The drive is apparently requiring more power than the Macbook's built-in USB-C port can supply to it.


I have two different external USB optical drives that exhibit the same symptoms as yours on both an M1 MacBook Air as well as an M2 MacBook Air. Using a powered USB hub alleviates this issue. The powered USB hub requires a USB-C power connection (like from your MacBook's power adapter). You then plug your MacBook into one of the USB-C ports on the hub and the external optical drive into one of the USB-A ports as well. The hub will power both with enough power to run them properly. Simply using a USB to USB-C adapter does not work.


Do an Amazon search for "powered USB hub" for many results for around $30. I personally use this one.

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User profile for user: SergZak
SergZak
User level: Level 6
10,672 points

Jan 18, 2025 9:03 PM in response to LuckyLindy97

You'll need to connect the external DVD drive to the Macbook through a powered USB hub. The drive is apparently requiring more power than the Macbook's built-in USB-C port can supply to it.


I have two different external USB optical drives that exhibit the same symptoms as yours on both an M1 MacBook Air as well as an M2 MacBook Air. Using a powered USB hub alleviates this issue. The powered USB hub requires a USB-C power connection (like from your MacBook's power adapter). You then plug your MacBook into one of the USB-C ports on the hub and the external optical drive into one of the USB-A ports as well. The hub will power both with enough power to run them properly. Simply using a USB to USB-C adapter does not work.


Do an Amazon search for "powered USB hub" for many results for around $30. I personally use this one.

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External DVD Player Won't Connect

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