M1 iMac won't recognize external DVD/CD drive

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Level 1

13 points

M1 iMac won't recognize external DVD/CD drive

The disk spins up in the drive but iMac doesn't see or mount it. Disk Utility does not see it. I'm running Monterey OS. It's a third-party LG disk drive. I've successfully used it before, though possibly not since getting the M1.

I found this same question here in the Community, but no answers other than "buy an expensive Apple Superdrive."

What I have tried:

Tried using the drive via a powered USB hub, and tried plugging directly into the Mac
Made sure I have checked the boxes to make external disks visible
Rebooted the computer
Checked the drive's cable
Tried multiple DVD and CD disks
Attempting to get info from LG on compatibility issues. No word yet.

If anyone has run across this issue and solved it, let me know. Thanks!

iMac 24″, macOS 12.6

Posted on Nov 1, 2022 3:27 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,546 points

Nov 1, 2022 5:50 PM in response to Dang

Please try restarting the computer in Safe Mode per the directions in the link with ALL external peripherals disconnected. Then connect your DVD drive directly to the computer and test.

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Answer 2

Dang Author

Level 1

13 points

Nov 1, 2022 7:26 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks. I tried restarting in safe mode without peripherals and it still doesn't recognize the disk drive. I'm beginning to think the drive is somehow defective, even though it worked before, and even though I can hear the disk spin up.

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