External DVD won't mount on 2020 Macbook air M1 running Sonoma 14.1.2

Question

External DVD won't mount on 2020 Macbook air M1 running Sonoma 14.1.2

This worked just fine about 6 months ago - but not now. I suspect it's due to OS upgrade. I am using an USB to USB C adapter that also has worked previously.

iPad Air

Posted on Jan 17, 2024 1:44 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Gary Moultrup Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 18, 2024 1:50 AM in response to sberman

Using a LG Slim portable DVD writer. It has worked in the past however decided to stop working. A visit to the Genius Bar identified the USB - USB C adapter as the issue. It also is 3rd party - Syntech OTG - which also has been working.

Miraculously, the Apple brand USB-C to Digital AV adapter works! I typically stay away from Apple brand accessories due to the cost, but it works. So I partially paid for my Genius Bar visit with a purchase.

I think it's due to a recent OS upgrade that has "undocumented features" that caused the 3rd party adapter to no longer work.

Thanks for the reply.

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Answer 2

Jan 19, 2024 5:41 AM in response to Lukcresdera

Not using a Superdrive - LG Ultra Slim DVD player.

Anyway - the Apple USB-C toDigitalAV adapter seems to have resolved it.

Thanks...

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Answer 3

Jan 18, 2024 9:23 PM in response to sberman

Superdrives are so power sensitve, lacking the extra USB cable for power.

I have my doubts of using any adapter with them.

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Answer 4

Jan 18, 2024 9:19 PM in response to Gary Moultrup

When dealing with video and data cable adapters, the Apple brands tend to work better.

The less expensive adapters may use fewer electrical wires or lower quality wires.

Because the USBC cables can be oriented two ways, be sure to rotate the USBC side once before giving up.

You may find the right wire orientation after rotation.

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Answer 5

sberman

Level 10

275,768 points

Jan 18, 2024 10:25 AM in response to Gary Moultrup

Gary Moultrup wrote:

I think it's due to a recent OS upgrade that has "undocumented features" that caused the 3rd party adapter to no longer work.

I certainly don’t know whether this is the case here - but just as an education point:

There are other instances where OS upgrades cause situations that were never acceptable to finally fail. The situations that come to mind are associated with sharing an Apple ID, which was always at best a questionable and more likely a never acceptable thing to do.

Anyway, it’s great your issue is resolved.

Enjoy your Apple gear.

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Answer 6

Jan 18, 2024 1:04 PM in response to sberman

Just trying to understand the list of your reply - it seems you are saying that the use of a non-Apple device on an Apple computer is "not acceptable"? Seems that millions do every day and multiple 3rd party suppliers make a nice profit from selling those devices. Odd position you take here!

And are you accusing me of sharing my Apple ID with someone? You're way out on a limb here "bro"!

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Answer 7

sberman

Level 10

275,768 points

Jan 18, 2024 1:23 PM in response to Gary Moultrup

Oh wow, you really misunderstood my post. Sorry I posted it.

I never meant to imply “the use of a non-Apple device on an Apple computer is ‘not acceptable’”. On the contrary, many but not all such devices are perfectly acceptable. Consider, for example, third party power adapters. About Apple USB power adapters - Apple Support
I certainly never addressed how you are using your Apple ID. I simply stated sharing an Apple ID is a situation that could also invoke behavior that once was not restricted and later restricted. There was never any reference stated or implied to your personal behavior.

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