Troubleshooting USB SuperDrive

Question

Troubleshooting USB SuperDrive

I have a MacBook Pro 2017 running Big Sur. I have a USB SuperDrive which I connect through the standard Apple USB USB-C adapter.

I have been attempting to install software from a CD. I was able to insert the CD into the SuperDrive. However, my computer does not seem to consistently recognize the CD. Most of the time, I hear the disc start to spin, but nothing happens on the computer. I cannot find the CD in the Finder. I have attempting unplugging and replugging the SuperDrive. On a couple of occasions, the folder from the CD containing the dmg I wish to install has popped up, but when I double click and attempt to begin the install process, the Finder program freezes. Sometimes after 10 minutes or so, Finder seems to "unfreeze" but the dmg file fails to boot.

I am beginning to assume that I have a bad USB SuperDrive. It's several years old.

1) Are there troubleshooting suggestions?

2) Due to inconsistent recognition, I cannot find a way to eject the CD within the drive. How can I safely recover the CD stuck in the SuperDrive?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.1

Posted on Jan 30, 2021 10:30 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

JumpToTheMoon Author

Level 1

15 points

Jan 30, 2021 7:57 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

So, weirdly enough. After trying the DVD, I tried the TurboTax CD again and it immediately worked properly. I have no idea what I did to fix it. I had reset the SMC earlier in the day, but that hadn't seemed to help. Anyway, problem solved.... somehow.

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Answer 2

Jan 30, 2021 10:35 AM in response to JumpToTheMoon

The Apple superdrive requires 900 milliAmps power.

The standard USB-A port delivers 500 milliAmps power.

 Menu > about this Mac > (system report) > USB ...

... will show you how much is provided and how much is asked-for.

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Answer 3

Jan 30, 2021 10:57 AM in response to JumpToTheMoon

When the drive motor is not spinning a disc, there should be enough power for the drive to communicate with the computer.

If not, it is not functioning properly (or your software is damaged or impeded by third-party software).

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Answer 4

Jan 30, 2021 11:55 AM in response to JumpToTheMoon

It looks like the computer-end of the USB ports could supply enough power, Provided the adapter can send it across.

Your drive does not seem like it is behaving properly.

¿Are you running any third-party virus scanners? These have a reputation for inserting them selves into every data transfer pathway in a very invasive way, and sometimes preclude the use of perfectly good devices.

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Answer 5

Jan 30, 2021 12:00 PM in response to JumpToTheMoon

That one, apart from all others, should Not be a problem (because it was written by a Mac-centric developer).

But you can test quickly by trying to access in Safe Mode, where no third-party extensions are loaded. (hold shift at startup, and wait for the five-minute disk repair, then use your username and password to log in, even if you normally auto-login.

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Answer 6

Jan 30, 2021 3:48 PM in response to JumpToTheMoon

non-supported formats, a CD that is simply Bad, a CD that is burned in the wrong kind of drive, dirty CD, who knows?

Ask the folks who provided it for one that can be read properly, instead of the dreck they sent you.

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Answer 7

Jan 30, 2021 11:49 AM in response to JumpToTheMoon

Update: The disc finally ejected after waiting 15-20 minutes. I presume that I need a new disc drive? Power stats per the screenshot.

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Answer 8

Jan 30, 2021 10:51 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

When I go the USB System Report, as you suggested, I see a blank screen with a rotating "loading" clock in the bottom right corner. It has been stuck "loading" for several minutes.

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