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GogleddSteve Author

Level 1

4 points

CD Drive not recognized by Finder on older Mac

I have a rather elderly MAC, which I bought in part because I wanted to store my CD collection. I bought, and used a Samsung SE-208 portable DVD writer. When I got bored, I stopped, stuck the music on an SD card, put that in the car, all well. Now I have returned to the machines, aiming for refresh, but Finder won't see the DVD writer. Do I need a new driver? Could this change in function have been caused by the IoS upgrades in the intervening years?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Oct 29, 2024 4:24 AM

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6 replies

Level 10

178,336 points

Oct 29, 2024 4:45 AM in response to GogleddSteve

Just to check, have you put a disk in the drive? Your Mac won't show a drive that doesn't have a disk in it.

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Level 8

35,921 points

Oct 31, 2024 1:16 AM in response to GogleddSteve

Re: "CD Drive not recognized by Finder on older Mac"

Am no expert in this area. From my own experience with a similar issue:

It seems some CD drives need to plug directly into a Mac port ... (adapter ok if needed).

ie. not via a multi-USB "hub", docking-station, or such, that is plugged into a Mac port

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Re: "Do I need a new driver?"

You could likely check for availability / ask for support / on manufacturer's support website

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Re: "Could this change in function have been caused by the IoS upgrades in the intervening years?"

Sorry I don't know for sure ... you may be able to check "compatibility" on manufacturer's website.

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Maybe you have a manual you could consult for answers:

Else: A quick online search revealed: You can view or download Samsung SE-208DB user manual online.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/540116/Samsung-Se-208db.html

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Level 10

82,612 points

Oct 29, 2024 4:51 AM in response to GogleddSteve

Is there a CD or DVD in the Samsung drive? An empty CD/DVD drive will not show up in Finder or on the Desktop.

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GogleddSteve Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 29, 2024 4:51 AM in response to varjak paw

Excellent tip, Varjak; when I put a disk in, it spins for a bit, clunks a few times and then ejects. At no stage does it show up on finder

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GogleddSteve Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 29, 2024 4:52 AM in response to den.thed

I might try a turn it off and on with a disk in the reader - what do you think?

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Level 10

82,612 points

Oct 29, 2024 5:01 AM in response to GogleddSteve

Try some different CDs or a DVD.

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CD Drive not recognized by Finder on older Mac

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