Samsung Model SE-208GB DVD Writer not playing dvds on Mac book pro but does on iMac

Question

Level 1

11 points

Samsung Model SE-208GB DVD Writer not playing dvds on Mac book pro but does on iMac

Can anyone help please. I have the above dvd writer, which I have used to watch dvds in the past, although not for a couple of years.

The external dvd writer works on the iMac, by instantly launching a programme and the film I want to watch. However on the MacBook pro it does not launch at all. Both computers running MacOs Big Sur 11.3.1 MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) 2.2GHz processor.

I have tried downloading a couple of free apps, to see if I could get it to work, to no avail. I have tried several dvd's and they all work on iMac via dvd writer with no problem.

Any help or advice please.

MacBook Pro Retina

Posted on May 9, 2021 9:53 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

CarlAVII

Community Specialist

May 10, 2021 12:39 PM in response to Textmum

Hello Textmum,

To confirm, does the icon on the desktop of your MacBook Pro look like the icon in the top-right of the article we shared in our last post? If so, that’s the DVD player app that’s built in to macOS Big Sur.

If not, you can find the app by opening Spotlight Search and searching for it. Search with Spotlight on Mac

Connect your DVD writer and open the DVD player app, then click File > Open DVD Media… Are you able to play your movie?

If not it may indicate that additional software is needed from the manufacture.

If so, it may indicate that you Mac is set to ignore when a DVD is inserted. With you DVD writer connected, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click CDs & DVDs. You can edit your preferences there. Choose actions for blank discs on Mac

We hope that helps.

Reply

Answer 2

rose_10

Community Specialist

May 10, 2021 9:18 AM in response to Textmum

Hello Textmum,

There are a few things we can check to get you back to watching your movies. If you connect the DVD writer and open the application DVD Player, are you able to play your movie? For more information on the app, check this out: DVD Player User Guide for Mac

If not, did you have to install software on your iMac for the writer to work?

Cheers

Reply

Answer 3

Textmum Author

Level 1

11 points

May 10, 2021 11:02 AM in response to rose_10

On the Macbook Pro I can not find an application called DVD player. I have an icon on the desktop saying dvdplayer, (similar to that of the hard drive), this shows whether I have the external drive attached or not. When I open the icon I just have a blank box with a feint dividing line down the middle. Nothing in the bar at the top relating to it.

On the Imac I just plugged and played and the dvd player comes up and starts the film!

I am pretty certain although can not guarantee it that in the past I was able to watch a dvd on the Macbook Pro. The Macbook has recently been to apple to have a new battery in and I believe they also change the keyboard, not sure if this would be related in any way. I was told they don't touch any software. I have looked at the guide listed above, but that hasn't helped as the dvd does not show up at all on the desktop. I can hear the external dvd writer start up and it tries several times, all to no avail. Strangely I have tried another external dvd drive and that works fine on the laptop.

Reply

Answer 4

K Shaffer

Level 8

35,956 points

May 10, 2021 11:55 AM in response to Textmum

There are several macOS versions where DVD player could hide in Launchpad.

While yours may not have one to hide at all; one should be there.

Maybe a drivers issue for the Player? Or where M1 is concerned, something else.

Reply

Samsung Model SE-208GB DVD Writer not playing dvds on Mac book pro but does on iMac

Similar questions