USB Superdrive not working with 2009 MacBook Pro running Lion 10.5.8

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Level 1

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USB Superdrive not working with 2009 MacBook Pro running Lion 10.5.8

I needed to update my software to Snow Leopard from Lion 10.5.8 on MacBook Pro. I am in Italy for 8 months and noticed my discdrive not working. In order to install the software I ordered a USB Superdrive, rather than replacing the disc drive. I unwrapped both the software & Superodrive, plugged the superdrive into my USB port and tried to insert the Snow Leopard disc but the Superdrive won't accept it. It doesn't make any sound or try to eject it, it doesn't take it in all-together. Please help- the nearest Mac store is 2 hours away.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Oct 22, 2013 1:41 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Oct 22, 2013 3:12 AM in response to Milks0416

The Apple superdrive was designed to be used for Macs that do not have internal optical drives like the retinas and airs. They are not compatible with other Macs as you have found out. But you can make it work using these directions:

http://www.tuaw.com/2012/04/02/use-the-macbook-air-superdrive-with-any-almost-ma c/

Ciao.

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Answer 2

LowLuster

Level 6

12,105 points

Oct 22, 2013 3:51 AM in response to Milks0416

Take or send the superdrive back to Apple. Then buy any other brand external DVD drive that connects by USB port and it will work with your Mac. Most cost around $30US. So you'll end up saving money.

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Answer 3

to.xasma

Level 1

4 points

Apr 19, 2016 7:42 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Good answer, thanks OGELTHORPE!

The link you provided works*, but I'd like to add the source link referred to by that page:
http://www.hardturm.ch/luz/2011/10/how-to-make-the-macbook-air-superdrive-work-w ith-any-mac/

*on a mid-2007 MacBookPro, running Yosemite 10.10.5

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