SmartDrive or other external CD/DVD driver and os Sonoma 14.5

Question

Level 1

4 points

SmartDrive or other external CD/DVD driver and os Sonoma 14.5

Hello everyone,

I've been having issues getting an external CD/DVD drive working on my iMac running os 14.5. I've tried both a Smartdrive and a third party plug-n-play drive. The Smartdrive powered up but no disc of any type was recognized, and it just ejected them after a few seconds. The current third party drive from Amazon powers both via Thunderbolt and a USB C-to-A adapter. It will read a music CD and open it in Music, but freezes up when trying to play anything from the disc. DVD's just spin up, stop, and auto-eject.

I've read up on some of the power issues, I've verified that my machine is putting out the required power. I'm plugging directly into the machine, no hub or dock between.

Any ideas?

iMac 21.5″, macOS 14.5

Posted on May 19, 2024 10:06 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

May 19, 2024 10:16 AM in response to Eric_Light

The drives are probably pulling in more power than what their spec says. A Windows OS doesn’t know or care i.e. this sort of power-cheating always works, but with Macs it’s the opposite.

You can try a powered hub but makes sure there isn’t any other power-requiring device on it. Otherwise, I’d look for a CD/DVD drive with separate power supply like this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097D3Z56P/

Reply

Answer 2

den.thed

Level 10

95,288 points

May 19, 2024 10:25 AM in response to Eric_Light

What year model is your 21.5 iMac...?

see > Identify your iMac model - Apple Support

What USB-C to USB-A adapter are you using with the Apple SuperDrive and the aftermarket DVD/CD drives...?

(brand or web-link to the adapter)

Are you using the Apple USB SuperDrive is right-side up...?

What aftermarket USB DVD/CD drive are you using...?

(brand & model or web-link to the drive)

What other USB drives and devices are connected to the iMac's USB ports...?

Power could be a problem if you have multiple devices connected to an un-powered USB hub.

Reply

SmartDrive or other external CD/DVD driver and os Sonoma 14.5

Similar questions