Mac Mini won't read CDs

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Mac Mini won't read CDs

Hi, my Mac Mini has suddenly stopped reading CDs. When I put a CD into the slot, it just spits it out. This happens with any CD. Any ideas?

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Feb 12, 2011 2:58 PM

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Answer 1

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Tony T1

Level 6

10,232 points

Feb 12, 2011 3:52 PM in response to nicknz

DVD's also? If so, you can try a lens cleaner, but it sounds like a busted optical drive.

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Answer 2

nicknz Author

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Feb 12, 2011 4:00 PM in response to Tony T1

It's a CD-only drive so has never read DVDs. Thanks, I will try a lens cleaner.

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Answer 3

mschu01

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5 points

Feb 13, 2011 6:21 AM in response to nicknz

Did the lens clean helped?
After upgrading from MacOS 10.4. to 10.6 using the Mac Box Set neither CDs nor DVDs are read anymore. Is there a link to the software update?
Regards, mschu01

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Answer 4

nicknz Author

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Feb 13, 2011 2:27 PM in response to nicknz

Update: The lens cleaner disc did not help as the computer rejected it like any other CD. Is it advisable to take my Mac Mini apart to clean the CD lens manually (I've never opened it up before)?

Otherwise, I think I might have to get a new internal or external drive.

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Answer 5

nicknz Author

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Feb 13, 2011 2:30 PM in response to mschu01

Hi, my problem was not caused by an update or anything software-related, so unfortunately it does seem like a busted drive. I can't help you with your problem but hopefully it's not too serious.

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Answer 6

Euchre

Level 4

1,275 points

Feb 14, 2011 10:58 AM in response to nicknz

Every Mac mini since day one has had at least a CD-RW/DVD-ROM 'Combo Drive', so if it has never read DVDs there is something else afoot with your mini. Did you buy that mini new, or used?

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Answer 7

nicknz Author

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Feb 14, 2011 12:51 PM in response to Euchre

Hi Euchre, that's very interesting. I've only ever tried one or two DVDs and they didn't work, so I assumed it wasn't DVD-compatible, but they may have been bad discs. Or maybe it just couldn't read dual layer? I bought my mini second-hand from my previous place of employment, where it was used by me for work.

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Answer 8

Euchre

Level 4

1,275 points

Feb 14, 2011 1:27 PM in response to nicknz

DVDs for video have been dual layer long before the introduction of burnable dual layer media came about. Most DVD players and DVD ROMs support reading dual layer DVDs as a result, and from my own experience the drives that came in the mini from day one will read them.

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Answer 9

nicknz Author

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Feb 14, 2011 2:51 PM in response to Euchre

Thanks Euchre. It could be related then. In any case, I'm looking at replacing the CD drive now.

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Answer 10

nicknz Author

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Feb 14, 2011 4:15 PM in response to nicknz

A question now about replacing the drive: Can I get any slim CD writer from a Mac Mini or iBook, or are there only certain models that will work in my computer? My specs are Processor 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo, Memory 512 MB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

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Answer 11

nicknz Author

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Feb 14, 2011 4:45 PM in response to nicknz

Probably should have pasted this earlier, but my current (non-working) CD writer details are:
MATSHITA CD-RW CW-8124:

Firmware Revision: DACH
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw
Media: No

Would it work to replace it with a CW-8123-A or CW-8123-C?

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Answer 12

Tony T1

Level 6

10,232 points

Feb 14, 2011 5:41 PM in response to nicknz

What year mini?
For 2005-2008, see: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/mac-mini/superdrive/
Installation instructions: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-Mac-mini-Model-A1176-Optical-Drive /1105/1

For 2009 see: http://www.logicsupply.com/search?searchstring=panasonic&search_indescription=on&x=0&y=0&page=1
Installation instructions: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-Mac-mini-Model-A1283-Optical-Drive -Replacement/1065/1

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Answer 13

Mar 16, 2011 9:00 PM in response to Tony T1

That's because the drives they are buying for their machines are garbage.

I have two machines with burnt-out superdrives.

I actually don't (even) have a drive that works.

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Answer 14

Mar 26, 2012 9:09 AM in response to nicknz

The superdrive on my 2010 Mac Mini also died without warning. I bought an auxillary drive which has no problems playing DVDs or reading software installation discs but gets all jittery when I try to play music discs. The disc appears on iTunes but when I try to play it it immediately self ejects. I also can't copy tunes from the disc; same problem. The workaround is to insert the disc into my back-up Mini (not even Intel) and copy the songs onto a memory stick, then bring that over and plug it into my 2010 -- those will then play from the stick. Grrr.

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Answer 15

Jun 9, 2013 11:15 PM in response to nicknz

My Mac Mini is having the same problem. It won't read CDs or Dvds not even burning them. I had it for I think around three years or four. The problem just started to happen two years ago and I'm not even sure if I should take it in to be looked at or something. I truly hoped that it's not broken.

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