Cannot get my Superdrive to mount on iMac

What year model is your iMac...?

see > How to identify iMac models

The Apple USB SuperDrive only works with newer Mac's that did not originally come with an internal SuperDrive.

go to > http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD564ZM/A/apple-usb-superdrive?fnode=59 and read the system requirements.

1. Perhaps the USB overloads on your iMac are tripped and you need to reset the SMC.

see > Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Unplug the computer's power cord.

3. Wait fifteen seconds a few minutes instead.

4. Attach the computer's power cord.

5. Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.

2. Try cleaning the SuperDrive in your iMac with a Lens Cleaning Disc.

for example: > http://www.amazon.com/Memorex-CD-DVD-Player-Laser-Lens-Cleaner

3. Try cleaning the CD's that your SuperDrive is unable to read.

see > http://labnol.blogspot.com/2006/07/how-to-clean-dvd-or-cd-disc.html

the fact is that previously I was able to plug it into the usb slot and get it to work. Why not now?

Did you upgrade your system recently? The newer system may not be as compatible as what you were running previously.

Although not supported by Apple there are "hacks" that will let older Macs use the Superdrive. Just Google for it.

What was the hack?