Ragmama

Q: Internal and external writers stopped writingor reading DVDs

I've had this IMac  4-5 years

OS X10.6.8

Processor: 3.06ghz intel Core2 Duo

Memory: 4GB 1067 MHz DDR3

I bought it reconditioned from Apple, no complaints. However, since the  internal drive was very slow and fussy I bought an Amazon Basics USB2 external Slim DVD Writer and for  the last few years I've used it without problems to read and write DVDs and occasionally CDs.

I use Burn and yesterday I changed a setting and nothing works anymore.The setting is usually on Data, Mac+PC and if I wasn't completely hysterical I could remember what I changed it to (possibly Mac HFS, or PC (Joliet). I changed because I got a prompt that the file I was trying to burn was too large. I've since tossed the file and changed the setting back. Nothing works now.

First the Amazon drive didn't mount. Restarting didn't help, so I shut down.When I started up again the drive mounted but both the Amazon drive and the internal one just spit out any disc DVD or CD. Neither drive will read or write a DVD. To be clear I always use the  external (Amazon basic) writer and prefer it but I did try the internal too.

I realize that I'm probably the architect of my own doom but I'm at my wits end and I have no idea what to do.

I know I'm behind the OS times but everything (the software I use) was working fine. If I have to buy another burner I will But that will be pointless if this problem persists. I've backed up a ton of stuff onto DVDs.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks very much.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 5, 2016 12:50 AM

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Q: Internal and external writers stopped writingor reading DVDs

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  • by joe_7399,

    joe_7399 joe_7399 Apr 6, 2016 11:47 AM in response to Ragmama
    Community Specialists
    Apr 6, 2016 11:47 AM in response to Ragmama

    Hi Ragmama,

     

    Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!

     

    I understand that neither the built in slot-loading SuperDrive nor your external USB drive are accepting disks. Fro troubleshooting purposes, lets focus on the internal drive on your Mac. 

     

    If the drive is not accepting discs, I recommend reading over and working through the information from the following article to begin troubleshooting. 

     

    Doesn't accept discs

    1. Be sure to check your disc to make sure it is flat. You can check this by putting the disc upside-down on a flat surface. If the disc is bowed up on any side or in the center, do not use the disc because it might get stuck in the drive. Do not use discs that have anything attached to them or dangling from them (such as "sweeper" or cleaning discs).
    2. If the drive struggles when you put in a disc or stops part-way, carefully look at the disc for labels that may be interfering. If there aren't any raised labels then try putting the disc in a few more times.
    3. Try another disc to see if the issue is being caused by a specific disc.
    4. Make sure you insert the disc far enough for the drive mechanism to activate. You need to insert discs nearly all the way before the drive will activate and pull them in. If you don't completely insert a disc, the drive will reverse and push the disc back out.
    5. Allow the drive one or two seconds to accept the disc while it is fully inserted.
    6. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC).
    7. If the drive repeatedly does not accept discs, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or make an appointment with an Apple Retail Store.

    Accepts discs but they don't mount or are automatically ejected

    1. Make sure the drive is not placed upside down. The aluminum enclosure should be facing up as shown in section 1.
    2. Check the disc's surface for scratches and dirt, since these things can prevent the disc from appearing on the desktop.
    3. Connect the MacBook Air SuperDrive directly to the computer's USB port instead a USB hub.
    4. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC).
    5. Ensure your drive can read the specific type of disc being used. The System Profiler or System Information may provide additional information regarding what media your computer supports. 
         
      • OS X Snow Leopard v10.6 or earlier: Open Apple System Profiler by choosing "About this Mac" from the Apple () menu. Then, click More Info.
      •  
      • OS X Lion v10.7 and later: Click the Apple () menu and then hold down the Option key. Choose System Information from the menu.
    6. If the disc continues to not be recognized, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or make an appointment with an Apple Retail Store.

     

    Get help with the slot-loading SuperDrive on your Mac computer - Apple Support

     

    Best!

  • by Ragmama,

    Ragmama Ragmama Apr 6, 2016 2:17 PM in response to joe_7399
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 6, 2016 2:17 PM in response to joe_7399

    Hi joe7399,

    Thanks for the reply.

    I've tried all, different disc,checking setting etc. The internal read a couple of CDs but not all and won't write.

    I'm disabled right now (hurt my spine and I'm awaiting surgery) so I can't bring the IMac in to be fixed, just can't

    carry anything at  the moment so I'd like to work out my external drive problems if possible. The external just ejects everything, won't write won't read. Did it just die?

    Thanks for your time,

     

    Ragmama

  • by joe_7399,

    joe_7399 joe_7399 Apr 7, 2016 6:41 AM in response to Ragmama
    Community Specialists
    Apr 7, 2016 6:41 AM in response to Ragmama

    Thank you for replying and letting us know that these steps didn't resolve the situation. To continue troubleshooting, I suggest contacting AppleCare directly for assistance. Contacting Apple Support will allow us to dig in to this situation further and provide you the best support possible. 

     

    Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

     

    Have a great day