'usb accessory needs power'

The Apple portable DVD reader requires 900 milliAmps power. Standard for USB-A ports is 500 milliAmps. Not all USB ports, adapters, and Docks can supply that much.

Best results are obtained from a port DIRECTLY on chassis, if possible.

 menu > About this Mac > (System Report) > USB > the exact device...

... will show how much power it can get on that port, and how much it is demanding.

tonywoodphoto wrote:

Hi Everyone,

I have a MACBOOK pro 2017 Big Sur 11.4

The apple cd reader works on my wife's MacBook Air, about 10 years old, and not mine. I get a message, 'usb accessory needs power'

Any ideas about what's going on?

Not all old CD/DVD drives are compatible...

You can try a different cable connection

You can try a different port

Eliminate any hub connection and go direct

Apple USB SuperDrive