Superdrive Update 2.1 killed drive

I'm another unlucky MacBook Pro user whose superdrive has failed completely (won't even accept disks) after the firmware update. I'm posting so I can follow this thread for solutions. Thanks in advance for posting if you find a way to fix this!

ps. My MBP is no longer under warranty, so a software fix is critical.

Mine is dead also. 13 months after purchase. Apple issues an update to the hardware, which then kills the hardware. Then they charge 4-$500 to fix it? that sounds like something Microsoft would do.

<edited by host>

Does apple not read their own discussion boards?

Just a followup to my earlier post:

I actually had 7 days left in my warranty, so Apple Support assisted me with this issue. Interestingly, they decided to replace the laptop -- rather than repair it.

I asked if they were taking this approach so they could do more thorough diagnostics, and he said yes. Perhaps their investigation will ultimately lead to a fix for everybody else. My fingers are crossed for you guys.

Wait, so you guys are telling me that there's no fix? Apple screwed up MY optical drive and now isn't releasing a fix?

Oh, smart move apple, real smart. what the ****?

I'm out of warranty too, that's the joyous part.

😟 Is there any point talking to an apple rep at the store? I'm in LA right now - there's no point, is there.

I opened the whole bloody thing up yesterday, to take a look, and I have a CD stuck in there right now, which ***** bigtime. 😟 Oh Apple. I really hope you come to your senses and fix our problem. This really really *****.

-Maya

Wow I am pretty stumped. My Superdrive went bad, reads, but doestn' write right after the update 2.1 was pushed. One would hope that this is not just coincedence and 'whomever' screwed this up will right the wrong done. Do I smell recall?

So the big question? Has anyone restaged their machine? Outcome?

mine is bad too. I installed the firmware a few weeks ago. Didn't realize that the drive has problem until today when I have to burn a couple of CDS. The drive seems to be able to read CDS, haven't tried DVD yet, but it can't burn neither CD or DVDs. I hope apple is putting their ** together and deal with this.

MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo. After the Superdrive Update, I am still able to READ CD and DVD but I can't burn anymore. Tried different brands without success. Sometimes a new disk is just refused, sometimes the burning process begins for a few seconds and then comes an error message.

In this last case, the disk cannot be used anymore on my iMac (PowerPC G4 800 MHz) which otherwise burns everything without any problem.

A DVD burned on the iMac can be read on the MacBook Pro.

Seems this "upgrade" was a definitive "downgrade" !

Still under Applecare. Will call Apple tomorrow.

Mine was not under warranty. The replaced it. Go to the store, explain its a known issue - show them the link to this thread. Give them a chance to fix it.

Not much point getting in a tiz if you havent given them a chance to fix it 😉

Spend one hour on the phone with Apple (MacBook Pro under Applecare contract) . Nice and competent person walked me through all the usual procedures (repare authorization, repare disk), PMU reset (remove battery, power on), PRAM reset, new user account,...
No success; my Superdrive doesn't recognize new CD-R disks which are perfectly usable on other computers (iMac G4 notably). No error message, only a few noises for many seconds then disk ejected. BTW, all non virgin disks can be read (CD, DVD..)
Conclusion: there is a hardware problem and my MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo has to be sent in.
But first a complete backup, one never knows! in case somebody erases the hard disk...

Bump

This was an an Apple created problem.

HOW ABOUT AN APPLE CREATED SOLUTION?????

*I think you will find the apple-created solution is that they give you a new superdrive.*

Take it to the store and point them to this thread.

I doubt very much they will replace my Superdrive if my 1 year warranty has expired.
I would suggest an APPLE RECALL is in order!

Mine was out of warranty, but they still replaced it.

Depends how far out of warranty it is. Your mileage may vary.

But, you wont know if you dont try...

I am having the same problem. I did the update at the end of June and was annoyed by the error saying it couldn't find anything to update. But I have been able to play cds and dvds so I didn't think there was any problem. Until today when I tried to backup my iTunes to dvds and it said it couldn't do it. Now I'm really annoyed. And it doesn't seem like there is any fix other than getting the superdrive replaced. Unless I missed something. Did I miss anything? Anyone have any other solutions? The Mac store isn't exactly convenient for me. Grrr.

Ah, I found my original account. So I'm posting again because I want to be able to show this to the genius bar folks. I hope this can get fixed asap.