External CD/DVD RW not working on older iMac

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Level 1

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External CD/DVD RW not working on older iMac

Hi,

The SuperDrive in a oldish iMac ca 2007 (Intel Core 2 Dual Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz; Mac OS 10.6.8) refuses to allow me to burn DVD's all of a sudden; the disc just gets rejected. Used to work fine.

Anyway, I've a new external drive which I use with a MacBookAir but this doesn't seem to work on the iMac. No power to it.. zilch. Works OK on the MBA, etc.

Am I right in assuming there's no way the external drive will work with older Macs?

Cheers, TonyT

Posted on Jun 21, 2014 8:04 AM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

90,910 points

Jun 21, 2014 8:19 AM in response to Tony T

First have a look at > Apple Computers: Troubleshooting the slot-loading SuperDrive and work thru the sections for Internal Superdrives.

Most any aftermarket Mac OS X compatible USB DVD/CD drive will work with your iMac.

For example: I have a LG GE24LU20 and it works great with all my Mac's.

The Apple USB Superdrive will not work with older Mac systems that already has a built-in-superdrive.

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Answer 2

Tony T Author

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111 points

Jun 21, 2014 9:20 AM in response to den.thed

Ah well that answers my question nicely "den.thed" ... very many thanks.

Yes, my iMac does have a built-in super-drive which will play back CD/DVD but refuses to burn a new DVD. The same (new) disc put into the external drive attached to my MBA works ok so it's not the media that's at fault.

Is there a work around to get the iMac to recognise the external drive perchance?

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

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Jun 21, 2014 9:36 AM in response to Tony T

Tony T wrote:

Is there a work around to get the iMac to recognise the external drive perchance?

If you mean the Apple USB Superdrive, there are a few hacks around here or in a Google Search.

But why would you want to spend twice as much for one of those...? When a USB LG or Sony DVD drive is way faster and more reliable. Just look at the spec's on-line or on the box. If it say's Mac OS X compatible, then all you need to do is plug it in and go.

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Answer 4

Tony T Author

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Jun 25, 2014 1:52 AM in response to den.thed

But why would you want to spend twice as much for one of those...? When a USB LG or Sony DVD drive is way faster and more reliable. Just look at the spec's on-line or on the box. If it say's Mac OS X compatible, then all you need to do is plug it in and go.

Basically, because I've already got an Apple external Superdrive.😉

If there was a way to force the iMac to "forget" the built-in superdrive then I reckon the machine would then recognise the external one. This is the question I meant to detail. Sorry if it came over wrong.

Many thanks again for the response and help.

TT

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Answer 5

dwb

Level 7

33,220 points

Jun 25, 2014 7:04 AM in response to Tony T

As Den.Thed said, Apple’s SuperDrive is designed to work with only certain computers, the older iMacs with built in drives aren’t among them. There are hacks that can make the drive work but I strongly recommend against using them. You have hack a kext file and every time Apple updates the OS you have to repack it. It is never a good idea to hack a kext since a mistake can result in a computer that won’t boot or becomes unstable. There are inexpensive drives that frankly are more reliable than Apple’s SuperDrive. Look at LG’s portable tray loading drives which can be found for under $30 delivered.

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Answer 6

andyBall_uk

Level 7

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Jun 25, 2014 7:18 AM in response to Tony T

There are a couple of methods described here : http://www.hardturm.ch/luz/2011/10/how-to-make-the-macbook-air-superdrive-work-w ith-any-mac/

Try the one described in 'update 2' first.

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Answer 7

Tony T Author

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111 points

Jun 25, 2014 9:57 AM in response to dwb

Thanks for the responses and info you guys.

All this is because I'd rather avoid getting the built-in superdrive repaired which certainly way more expensive than buying a $30 LG as you advise.

Incidentally, am I right to assume the LG range definitely will work on the i007 Mac? If so... anyone want to buy a shiny newish Apple External Superdrive? 😉

Re AndyBall_UK's advice, I'll take a look at this and check it out... many thanks for this Andy.

Regards to All

TT

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Answer 8

dwb

Level 7

33,220 points

Jun 25, 2014 11:27 AM in response to Tony T

there's nothing special about USB optical drives - well, except for Apple's. Why they chose to limit it as they have beats me. Why do people buy the SuperDrive? Cause they dont know better....

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Answer 9

Jun 26, 2014 1:09 PM in response to dwb

yes, I didn't know better either, so when my internal drive stopped working I bought a USB Superdrive, now my Mac OS X Ver. 10.5.8 doesn't see it. I was hoping there was a software trick to disable the internal drive & activate the external one. I hate to be stuck with useless hardware I paid for.

Thanks for all your help

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Answer 10

andyBall_uk

Level 7

20,516 points

Jun 26, 2014 1:18 PM in response to jamesfromlavale

>>I was hoping there was a software trick to disable the internal drive & activate the external one

Many users have found that there is : the suggestions didn't work for you ?.

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Answer 11

Jun 26, 2014 4:24 PM in response to andyBall_uk

To clarify.. when I said, "software trick" I didn't mean writing code. My low-tech brian meant to say checking a box in a pulldown menu, as in Preferences or something of that nature. Thanks anyway. All you folks out there spending your time trying to help others are appreciated.

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