Music on MAC External CD

If other CDs are working (and try some others), then the issue would appear to be with this CD, or with the particular recording format used on this CD. Bad disks and incompatible disks and marginal recordings are far from rare, unfortunately.

You can try playing the CD with the VLC app, to see if it’s something about the macOS format support, too.

If not at the highest supported version for this MacBook Air, update your macOS, too:

… How to download and install macOS - Apple Support

Your footer here shows Microsoft Windows, but your question references “MAC”, so I’m assuming Mac.

If this is a Mac of some sort, is this a Mac with USB-C connections, and a USB-A SuperDrive?

If so, and if there is a USB-C to USB-A adapter, the adapter must provide enough power.

The Apple USB-C to USB-A adapter does provide enough power. Some third-party adapters do not.

If that is not it… Which macOS? Which USB drive? Any USB hubs involved?

Or are you trying to use an Apple SuperDrive on Windows?