USB ACCESSORY NEEDS POWER

Are you connecting the SuperDrive to a USB-A port on the hub? A SuperDrive needs more power than a USB-A port provides. USB-A ports on Apple computers (and keyboards) can provide the extra power, but your hub's USB-A ports may not do it. It should work from a USB-C port with a USB-C to USB adapter.

USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

The USB superdrive doesn't work when using a hub, you'll need a usb c to usb adapter like this USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

frederic179 Siad:

"USB ACCESSORY NEEDS POWER: Thank you! I found the SuperDrive in system information. Now I need to know how to load photos and data from the disk?[…]”

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You are welcome.

Troubleshooting SuperDrive Connection:

Some Thoughts Based on Prior Replies…

A. Power Being the Culprit:

There is just not enough power to sustain its use though a hub, So, either connect it directly into your computer, or use an external-powered USB hub. This would be the adapter to use: USB-C to USB Adapter - Apple

B. Try Using a New Administrator User:

See what happens when you create a new Administrator User and login to it and perform and eject. If it works, then it is something misconfigured in your current user.

C. Connect to a Different Mac:

Connect this to a difference Mac, seeing if you can get it to work. If you don't have another Mac, ask someone else (i.e. friend or family member) if you may use their Mac(with their permission, or course).

D. Set this Up Correctly:

Perform as instructed here: How to Connect the Apple USB SuperDrive. If something is greyed out, then it may be copyrighted data that you were recording (i.e. iTunes purchases)

E. Verify Compatibility:

1. Go Here: How to Connect the Apple USB SuperDrive - Apple Support
2. Scroll to: Check compatibility
3. As it Reads: "The Apple USB SuperDrive is compatible with Mac models from 2008 and later that don't have a built-in optical drive."

frederic179 Siad:

"USB ACCESSORY NEEDS POWER: I have plugged my USB-C multimedia hub into the port on my MacBook Air and then to the new USB Superdrive but I just get the message that USB Accessory needs power. What am I doing wrong?"

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Troubleshooting SuperDrive Connection:

Verify the Connection:

First off, see if the headphones are is even seen: 

1. Hold Down: the Option key
2. Click: the Apple menu
3. Choose: System Information or System Report
4. Select: Disk Burning and USB from the list on the left
5. Look For: the SuperDrive

It could be a problem with the CD. Is it a music CD or data CD? Do DVDs or other CDs work in the drive?

I have some data CDs that worked in Mojave but cannot be read by any later versions of MacOS. Apparently support for some disk formats was dropped a few years ago.

It could be a problem with the CD. Is it a music CD or data CD? Do DVDs or other CDs work in the drive?

I have some data CDs that worked in Mojave but cannot be read by any later versions of MacOS. Apparently support for some disk formats was dropped a few years ago.

Correction:

*First off, see if the SuperDrive is even seen: 

frederic179 Siad:

"USB ACCESSORY NEEDS POWER: Trying to loadTurbotax. Turbotax advises that once the CD is inserted into the drive it will mount a virtual drive with a pop-up window. That is not happening. what am I doing wrong?"

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Just Request a Digital Copy from INTUIT:

I'd say put the DVD installation disk aside, and get a license key to download it as a digital copy. INTUIT is the Developer, so, you'd find that here: TurboTax 2022-2023 Online Tax Software - INTUIT. If it is not reading it, then it is likely faulty software. Provide INTUIT with the license key and an original proof of purchase (i.e. sales receipt), and request the install through a digital file (DMG file type). Go here, and request a digital copy through a chat session - Contact Us - Chat - INTUIT.

I haven't purchased TurboTax f222 yet but I found this guide for macs on their web site.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/install-products/install-turbotax-software-mac/L34KYBqU0_US_en_US

Perhaps you've read it already but I just thought I'd share it anyway. Cheers