Unable to use Apple cd/dvd drive with my new iMac.

Then you just need a different adapter. My SuperDrive works fine plugged into a M1 MacBook Air running Sequoia 15.2. I happen to use this but others would work.

USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter - Apple

You probably will need a powered hub.

You'll need a powered dock or a direct adapter to get enough power to the drive.

Something like this: Ugreen USB-A to USB-C Adapter - Amazon.com

Also, remember the drive will not appear on its own, you need to insert a disc before the Mac will show the drive in Finder or the Desktop, and you also need to have enabled the CDs,DVDs and iOS devices option in the Finder Settings.

Did you insert a CD? It won't show until you do.

Just to add, I have a 7-port unpowered hub connected to my M3 iMac and the SuperDrive will not work plugged into that.

donfromoak creek wrote:

I cannot insert the cd. The drive pushes it out.

If it loads then pushes it back out, that means either the disk is unreadable or the SuperDrive is upside down. The black side goes down.

donfromoak creek wrote:

I cannot insert the cd. The drive pushes it out.

Assuming it takes the disk, spins it for a bit and then spits it out, that usually points to an issue with either the disk (not readable or in a unsupported format) or the drive (dirty laser lens or other issue), not the connection to the Mac.

Have you tried other disks?

Have you tested the drive on another computer?

Just to add, make sure the drive is not plugged into the DFU port. That should be the one closest to the hinge.