USB Superdrive not working with MacBook Air and USB multi-port connectors

Question

Level 1

9 points

USB Superdrive not working with MacBook Air and USB multi-port connectors

I have a usb c to thunderbolt multi-port adaptor connected to MacBook Air. when I plug the USB superdrive into the multi-port I get a warning message that "USB Accessory needs power "Connect Apple USB SuperDrive to a USB port on this Mac". and the drive will not work (there is obviously no USB port on the MacBook Air). The multi-port adaptor works for other usb devices no issue.

This did work when I first bought the adaptor, have not used for while and now have this issue.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 11, 2021 8:31 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

kaz-k

Level 9

50,178 points

Sep 11, 2021 9:26 PM in response to ozikiwi

Hi,

You need to get self powered USB-C to USB-A adapter or self powered USB-A to USB-A Hub which connect to USB multi-port connector's USB-A port.

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,327 points

Sep 12, 2021 6:41 AM in response to ozikiwi

I have an Apple Super Drive and it will never work unless connected directly to my Mac even with a powered hub. I have tried on several different Macs and different hubs.. I have other drives that will work through a hub but not Apple drive.

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Answer 3

Sep 22, 2021 1:00 PM in response to ozikiwi

Hi, the same thing is happening with my MacBook Pro. I just bought a new MacBook Pro and my old USB SuperDrive is not playing my DVD. I have the multi-port adapter and the power plug is plugged in as well. The files appear on my screen but nothing plays?

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Answer 4

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,327 points

Sep 22, 2021 1:57 PM in response to iTunes does not recognize iPod

If you mean the apple cd player app starts but the DVD movie does not then are you are running Big Sur 11.6? This is a known bug in 11.6. They can play but you need to do it a different way. Easier to use the free app VLC.

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Answer 5

Oct 19, 2021 12:38 PM in response to tbirdvet

VLC does not work with a 2020 MacBook Air 13" and an Apple USB-C to USB adapter, which I just bought. I am on Big Sur 11.6. This is EXTREMELY frustrating. I can't figure out what a "self powered USB-C to USB-A adapter" even IS. The only place it appears on the Apple website is in kai-k's post. I tried the drag-and-aroip approach with VLC - no luck at all. Besides, WHY would you recommend VLC knowing that it demands access to all your browsing history and private info?? Can anyone help?

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Answer 6

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,327 points

Oct 20, 2021 4:54 PM in response to lauriefromhixson

Sounds like you have a hardware issue. VLC has nothing to do with your browsing history. VLC has been around for many years and used by millions of users. What drive are you using and are you connecting directly to your Mac and not though a hub?

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Answer 7

ozikiwi Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 13, 2021 7:38 PM in response to ozikiwi

Thank you for your help, I ended up buying Belkin USB-C to USB-A adapter. Working perfectly.

Cheers

Christine

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Answer 8

ozikiwi Author

Level 1

9 points

Sep 13, 2021 7:39 PM in response to kaz-k

Thank you for your help, I ended up buying Belkin USB-C to USB-A adapter. Working perfectly.

Cheers

Christine

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Answer 9

Sep 22, 2021 2:10 PM in response to tbirdvet

Hi, the Apple USB SuperDrive does start but it doesn’t play the DVD on the app nor does it work with VLC and QuickTime player. And yes, I am running Big Sur 11.6.

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