Apple SuperDrive not working.

FWIW, i'm still using my apple superdrive with my 2019 iMac running big sur. i forget when i bought it, but i think it's in the same age range as yours. that said, have you tried a different disc to eliminate a faulty disc as your issue? also, you could try unplugging the drive from the mac, restart the mac then reconnect the drive and try again. however, please note that one thing i've learned over the years is that any electronics which use mechanical components WILL eventually fail. you could replace it with another (new) superdrive. another option would be to look at External Optical Drives from OWC. a couple of those are cheaper than the apple's drive, but considering the years mine has given me, and it's still going, when mine dies i'm planning on getting another superdrive.

I suggest you look at optical drives from OWC (MacSales.com) instead of an Apple SuperDrive. The OWC drives have a faster interface connection than the SuperDrive (better for playing video discs and ripping CD and audiobook discs) and you can get one with it's own power source and a drawer loader (a safer option and easier to recover a stuck disc).

Recycle it?

Physical media is dead.

I think the only was to use that hardware is with a ten year old machine.

you're welcome. and...

Chris Billington1 wrote:

And of course 'Go Frogs!'

LOL!!