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External DVD drive not working post-Mojave update

Ever since I updated to Mojave, my external DVD drive no longer works. I am using a Late 2016 MBP w/ Touch Bar (4 Thunderbolt 3 ports). When I plug the DVD drive in, I can tell that it makes the disc spin, but it no longer shows up in Finder (i.e., the drive/disc never mount).


Here is what I've already tried:


1.) Double checking finder preferences to make sure external drives will show up

2.) Trying the DVD drive on another computer (PC). It works on PCs, so the drive isn't the problem.

3.) Trying different USB ports on the MacBook


The same drive always worked before Mojave. I'm wondering if Mojave reduced the power available for USB accessories.


Anyone else having this problem? Any solutions?


PS: Yes, DVDs are antiquated at this point, but I have no choice in the matter.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2016, 4 TBT3), 27" external 1080p display HDMI

Posted on Oct 11, 2018 2:54 PM

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Posted on Oct 29, 2018 9:26 AM

I'm having the same problem on my 2017 iMac. The external DVD drive is Apple model number A1379 and it's only a couple years old. It worked fine before I installed Mojave. The drive no longer shows up in Finder. I've tried the obvious things like restarting and plugging into different USB ports. The drive shows up in Disk Utility, but the buttons for First Aid, Mounting, etc. are grayed out. The same is true for my co-worker's iMac. I really hope we don't have to buy new external drives. We work with large files that need to be given to vendors and DVDs are the easiest way.

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65 replies

Dec 11, 2018 3:16 PM in response to kamiele

Nope ! No "Burn to disc" anywhere. No response to 'remote disc'. Maybe it has been turnoff by MOJAVE. This reminds me of PC days many years ago with errors and patches everywhere. When we spent more time getting and keeping our PC running than actually working. If you know a fix short of 'modifying code' please help. Software or hardware, my burner is a Sony DRX-800.

Dec 16, 2018 2:13 AM in response to Jared Winter

The DVD drive stopped working for me too (Mac mini Late 2012, after Mojave update).


When I insert a blank DVD, literally NOTHING happens. The OS doesn't react in any way - looks it's totally unaware that there is a disc.


I'm out of words for how sloppy Apple was when releasing Mojave. This is about the usage of a DRIVE - couldn't they test this?


I think a fix from their side should be appropriate! Apple?

Dec 16, 2018 8:27 AM in response to dkozar

I agree that it appears to be a software issue, whether planned or simply an error, who knows? Apple could at least answer questions, even if their ONLY solution is that we all buy more software or Apples' $80 Superdrive, maybe then they would allow us to do what we have done for years and years. Should we gamble that Apple's Superdrive would work with our MACs? Maybe buying a cheap PC to be used only for burning photos to CD/DVDs is one very poor solution? Come on Apple a little help here !!!

Dec 18, 2018 12:59 PM in response to Jared Winter

Hello, i am using an iMac 27" and had same troubles after update to mojave with the "new" apple super drive,

also with other cd drive i used instead, because i assumed the superdrive is dead.

Then i changed all cables, tried all usb connections on mac. Nothing happened!


Then i got a tip at german discussion board: >> i pressed the Shift Button during start (keyboard cabled)

with the cd drive connected and cd inside. When the system was started i opened the disk utility and wow

the drive appeared. Then restarted the system in normal mode. It works! I can read any CDs but didn't try to burn


hope it helps

Dec 20, 2018 12:28 AM in response to MaHo65

I have the same issue, simply wanted to make a X-Mass CD for my wife today!

Seriously, what is going on at apple? Are we so post "media" that they assuming everything is been downloadable, and because of this simply de-activate everything which has no "cloud-connector"?

Off-topic: I've tried to install a game for my son, 29 GB needed, status of my main drive: 111 GB available! Game failed to install, because the 111 GB would only be there, if I have activated my "cloud-sync" for my local files (found this after I had do google this).

In the good old days, the Mac was simply working, now everything is so ..., stupid! But in the cloud!



Jan 1, 2019 8:22 AM in response to anthonyfromlombard

It seems Apple has changed their policy and business plan to increasing iCloud storage, sell something new or some other product or service. So that once we purchase the more expensive MacBook or whatever product, their mission is accomplished. And they no longer will support our purchases or correct what their software "improvements" does not allow us to do as we have for years. Has Apple become MICROSOFT 2.1?

Jan 21, 2019 3:16 PM in response to Johnthis

I am running 10.14.2 and there is no mention anywhere of a burn file or create burn folder on the finder drop down menu. If you go to Apple Help screens for anything having to do with "burn" you get this helpful comment: "The selected content is currently unavailable". SO Apple is clearly aware of the problem. Apple used to take their customers seriously. And I didn't have the problem with the first iteration of Mojave on my MBP 15" late 2013. Has anybody discussed this with the Genius Bar? I can't even watch a DVD. Is going back to High Sierra an option? If so, how???? This is a situation you would expect from Microsoft!!!!

Jan 30, 2019 11:47 AM in response to FlyTriGuy

My problem that my LG model BE14NU40 Blu-ray burnet doesn’t get recognized by my Mac. It won’t mount and I can’t use it for anything. When I last used the drive about 2 years ago it worked fine. Tried using it yesterday and nothing. Any ideas on how I can get my Mac to recognize and mount the drive.

I tried burning a disc, but get the message, no supported burner drive found. Thanks.

Feb 1, 2019 12:03 PM in response to DrTee1966

Running 10.14.4 Beta - Purchased music disc did launch iTunes, reads/searches for about 10 seconds & then ejects the disc.

Disk Utility doesn't even show the external drive.

No sign of a CD/DVD on the desktop.

Last worked back with High Sierra I think.

2017 MBP 15"

There doesn't appear to be a resolution to this period nor does Apple seem to care...wtf?


External DVD drive not working post-Mojave update

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