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?