Is it possible to connect an old external apple cd reader (2012) oto the new iMac 24" M1 chip.thanks for any help

Absolutely! You just need a usb-a to usb-c adapter like this one https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter?fnode=e6144325a70f0a1918e353005ea759513d5ac63e4d826cb6fc9098c2a887e8866e9d06cea95b084447769df2b7b7a7fd801f98bca8168d59da3f4c40c140272397cc33a1bf78b1ab7ba58817f7ab6e580fee6f16a884d65ea8d4f7051a1de03c2303e85e6857d75cb4c87fd6ad7154f4&fs=f%3Dadapter%26fh%3D4595%252B45b0

You just ned a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Check out Amazon for best price.

https://www.amazon.com/Syntech-Adapter-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook/dp/B07CVX3516/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1N0J8UEPJBZ7I&keywords=USB-a+to+USB-C+adapter&qid=1642252556&sprefix=usb-a+to+usb-c+adapter%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-3

R\Tried this but drive remains unrecognized. Finder preferences set to show connected CD drives