Apple branded Superdrive not getting any power from M1 iMac

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Apple branded Superdrive not getting any power from M1 iMac

I have seen this question asked, haven't seen an answer yet. I want the ability to load more CDs into my already vast iTunes library. My 24" M1 iMac gives me this message when I try to connect a Superdrive:"USB accessory needs power. Connect 'Apple USB...' to a USB port on this Mac.But that doesn't work.

I tried to connect the Superdrive to the iMac via a USB dock I had purchased for just this purpose. I knew there would be an issue when i saw those **** USB-C ports--but buying a USB 3 to USB-C seemed like a straight-forward solution...

FWIW: I have 2 portable aftermarket hard drives hooked up in this way--they work fine.So I tried hooking up theSuperdrive to a USB dock that has an external AC power supply and hooked that up to the 1st dock. Still no joy.

iMac 24″, macOS 13.0

Posted on Nov 15, 2022 10:55 PM

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Answer 1

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Layered1

Level 1

14 points

Nov 16, 2022 7:53 PM in response to jim_371

I figured out what I was doing wrong on my own computer, and my Apple Superdrive now works for me. The 24" iMac (M1) has four ports on the back. The two ports to the right are Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, and I have been plugging my Superdrive (using an Apple Multiport Adapter) to one of them, and it does not work. So I tried plugging it into one to the two USB 3 ports on the left, and it does work.

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Answer 2

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Nov 16, 2022 7:56 AM in response to jim_371

You need…

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple

or

USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

The SuperDrive has to be plugged directly into a port using one of the above.

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Answer 3

jim_371 Author

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4 points

Nov 18, 2022 2:20 PM in response to dialabrain

The Multiport Adapter works perfectly. Thanks

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Nov 17, 2022 3:29 AM in response to Layered1

Layered1 wrote:

I figured out what I was doing wrong on my own computer…

Glad it's working but, my M1 MBA only has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and my SuperDrive works in either using the Multiport adapter.

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Answer 5

jim_371 Author

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Nov 17, 2022 3:40 AM in response to Layered1

Your last post gave me a glimmer of hope: my iMac came with only 2 ports, but I hadn't really looked at them, to see if they're different. Alas, they're not. Still no power to my SuperDrive. Trying the Apple Multiport Adapter when it arrives.

So now, I have a bunch of semi-useful USB hubs in my spare cables drawer.

Still puzzled as to why my after-market external HDDs work great the entire time.

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Answer 6

Layered1

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14 points

Nov 16, 2022 6:43 PM in response to dialabrain

Yes, I am using the Apple Multiport Adapter, but with no results.

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Answer 7

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Nov 16, 2022 6:45 PM in response to Layered1

It should work if plugged directly into a port. Make sure it's right side up, black side down.

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Answer 8

jim_371 Author

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4 points

Nov 17, 2022 3:03 AM in response to dialabrain

I'll give the Multiport Adapter a try. Waiting on shipping.

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Answer 9

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Nov 17, 2022 3:30 AM in response to jim_371

jim_371 wrote:

I'll give the Multiport Adapter a try. Waiting on shipping.

Should work fine.

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Answer 10

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Nov 17, 2022 3:47 AM in response to jim_371

I've tried the SuperDrive in powered hubs but it never worked for me. I seem to remember one post where someone said it did work with their powered hub but they neglected to say which hub it was.

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Answer 11

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Nov 18, 2022 3:18 PM in response to jim_371

You're welcome.

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Apple branded Superdrive not getting any power from M1 iMac

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