portable DVD burner

Hello lareianne,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities!

Based on your post, I see that your children's account on your iMac isn't able to burn DVDs. I understand the importance of being able to burn DVDs, as I do this a lot on my iMac. I'm happy to help assist you with this.

Use OS X El Capitan: Set up parental controls and check the parental controls restrictions to see if burning CDs and DVDs are restricted, specifically, this section:

Set restrictions

1. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Parental Controls.

   Note: When you open Parental Controls preferences, if you see the message “There are no user accounts to manage,” see Add a managed user.

2. Click the lock icon to unlock it, then enter an administrator name and password.

3. Select a user, then click a button at the top.

   • Apps: Prevent the child from using the built-in camera. Restrict a child’s contact with other people through Game Center and Mail. Specify which apps the child can access.

   • Web: Limit access to websites, or allow unrestricted access.

   • Stores: Disable access to the iTunes Store and the iBooks Store. Limit a child’s access to music, movies, TV shows, apps, and books to only those with age-appropriate ratings.

   • Time: Set time limits for weekdays, weekends, and bedtime.

   • Privacy: Allow the child to make changes related to privacy.

   • Other: Block using Dictation, access to printer settings, and burning CDs and DVDs. Hide profanity in the dictionary and other sources. Prevent the Dock from being modified. Provide a simplified view of the Mac desktop.

Best Regards.

Greetings lareianne,

You're welcome! We're glad to head that everything is working again.

Have an amazing day!