Replace defective CD drive

..MrTalisker:

There's also external optical drives that can work well with most Macs & PCs

& no reason to rule them out, just because they require desktop real estate.

A few of these are affordable; or a great deal when found on discount.

[OWC has durable desktop models; & port-power slot-load DVD/CDs-RW.]

While the Apple USB SuperDrive will not work within various limits; mainly

and especially older Apple gear, whose internal optical drive/player's failed.

A few examples at OWC do several things, to include routine DVD/CD-RW,

& blu-ray. And have either 'media slot', or have a door. ~ In general terms

some have better quality than others. "OWC" sometimes has 'garage sales.'

LG, Samsung (& OWC) brand models appear to have steady customer base.

[Various resellers; local and online sellers can be found via Search engine.]

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=external+optical+drive+CD+DVD&ia=web

Several of my vintage/obsolete Macs have/had built-in 'superdrives.'

Main original HDDs failed, while built-in optical seemed longer-lived.

(As long as dust-mite traps are set by their door; for catch & release.)

Good luck & happy trails!🦎🍄🤖🌱🐛

Apple won't sell them because that model is too old.

You can check with independent repair shops or, if you plan to install it yourself, search the used parts sites. I've used powerbookmedic.com before. Don't let the name fool you—they have parts for newer Macs as well.

For future reference, using the model number like your A1181 is not very useful in this venue, especially for parts questions about older Macs. I counted eight different MacBook model makes between 2006 and 2009 that share that number, a common issue with older Mac labeling. The best model information for getting help here is, if you are running macOS 10.7 Lion or newer, to post the sub-model name found when you do "About this Mac..." from your Apple menu. That screen layout varies with OS version but you are looking for the part with a year added, sometimes including Mid, Early, or Late. Those are important last well if present;:

What NOT to include: Please do not post serial numbers in public forums.

Hi,

You can get the DVD Super Drive for your MacBook at eBay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/163849554870?hash=item262631cbb6:g:F8gAAOSwi1pdcZ~g