iMac drive won't recognize blank dvd .. ejects it automatically after spinning for some time

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Level 1

4 points

iMac drive won't recognize blank dvd .. ejects it automatically after spinning for some time

Running macOS High Sierra ; mid 2011 desktop. Mac will read most DVD with content. Unreliable reading of CD with content that work fine on a neighbour's desktop.

Except for this CD/DVD drive, this has been a really reliable computer. I've not upgraded further as I have programs that I purchased that won't run on a higher system, and these programs have now gone to subscription which is not economically feasible for me.

I'm not particularly techie. I did run disk utility and everything was fine. Suggestions please?

Posted on Nov 16, 2022 12:29 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

81,958 points

Nov 16, 2022 12:54 PM in response to mare07

If it is still working after all of these years, it may just need a good cleaning with a dry lens cleaning disc.

cd/dvd cleaning disc

If the SuperDrive has given up, then you can get and use most any after-market USB CD/DVD Drive.

usb cd/dvd rom drive

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Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

81,958 points

Nov 25, 2022 5:00 PM in response to mare07

I used the > https://www.amazon.com/CD-Lens-Cleaner-Instructions-Maxell/dp/B07L2HPQBS several times in a couple of my older iMac’s.

If you do not feel comfortable using a cleaning disc, then you really only have a couple of other options,

See if you can find someone to service or replace the SuperDrive.
Give up on it and use an external USB drive.

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Answer 3

mare07 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 16, 2022 1:08 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks. Good suggestion to get a cleaning disk. I do live rural and we definitely get a lot of dust here.

I do have an external CD/DVD drive in storage, so will get it out and try that as well. I don't think this drive has 'given up' as it plays all my DVD, and is just fussy with some old photo CD. Maybe the cleaner will resolve that also.

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