SuperDrive Not Working After Upgrade to Ventura

Question

SuperDrive Not Working After Upgrade to Ventura

Last month I could use an USB->USB-C adaptor with my functional SuperDrive to connect to my MacBook Pro M1 2020. Yes, unfortunately the Mac with no USB ports. (Wish I had waited...) I had no problem accessing the drive in this way while running Big Sur. The only difference since successful use of SuperDrive is upgrading to Ventura.

I tried different adaptors, different ports, a dock with 2 different USB ports in all combinations with the MacBook USB-C ports. The error message is

Obviously, "this Mac" has no USB port.

N.B. Once only, while trying the various combinations of adaptors & ports, I got a message asking permission to use the drive. I said yes. Then couldn't find the drive. I haven't gotten the message again.

I am bummed that I can't get this perfectly useful hardware to work any longer. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 13.2

Posted on Apr 15, 2023 4:38 PM

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Answer 1

Dkk82d

Level 1

10 points

Apr 4, 2024 9:37 PM in response to tbirdvet

YOu can't direct a Superdrive directly to the Mac because the Mac only has USB C type ports and the Superdrive is USB A, so I bough an Apple adapter and it still doesn't work.

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,795 points

Apr 15, 2023 4:55 PM in response to TortiePlusWhite

Apple Super Drives do not work through hubs. It must be attached directly to your Mac. Looks like you attempted this but got the "needs more power" error. Some other users have reported similar issue. You may have to get another CD/DVD drive for it to work.

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Answer 3

Apr 15, 2023 4:58 PM in response to TortiePlusWhite

The 2020 MacBook Pro does, in fact, have USB ports. They are of the Thunderbolt/USB4 variety that do require a USB-C to USB adapter.

The Super Drive must be connected directly to the Mac. It will not work if connected to a hub or dock.

Check Finder > Preferences... > General tab and ensure the box for "Show CDs, DVDs, and iPods" on the Desktop is check-marked.

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Answer 4

Apr 15, 2023 5:14 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

Thank you for the quick reply, tbirdvet. I understand your answer. What I don't understand is why all of a sudden the exact same Super Drive & USB-USB-C adaptor plugged directly into this Mac has always worked & now doesn't. I have tried different adaptors. I don't have another Mac at the moment to test the Drive itself. So perhaps that is the problem. Thanks again.

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Answer 5

tbirdvet

Level 6

16,795 points

Apr 15, 2023 5:17 PM in response to TortiePlusWhite

My guess is that another brand of CD/DVD drive would work as I have several that work fine (as well as my Superdrive). I have no idea why all of a sudden it will not work. I doubt your Mac has any hardware issue but who knows.

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Answer 6

Apr 4, 2024 9:47 PM in response to TortiePlusWhite

My Superdrive works if plugged in via an Apple adapter and then to a USB-C port but Im using Big Sur. I dont upgrade Apple OS any more because it kills off more than it accomplishes.

Amazing how Apple is so tolerant of killing off their own drive and not allowing it to work.

You would think that they would update the drive with UBS-C but they are concentrating on other programming like making the move and scale code no longer work for wallpaper on iOS and making the play/pause/f8 key change with each program you use so now in OS you have no idea what that key operates in the background.

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Answer 7

Apr 17, 2023 6:06 PM in response to TortiePlusWhite

Thanks tbirdvet & other(s) who weighed in for your thoughts & your time. I will take it from here. Cheers.

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SuperDrive Not Working After Upgrade to Ventura

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