external optical drives not working on USB 3.1

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external optical drives not working on USB 3.1

I recently purchased 3 Verbatim Slimline CD/DVD Writers.

Now here’s the problem. I have a MacBook Pro M2 (2023 running Ventura 13.2.1) and the laptop won’t recognize the drives. Power gets to the drive, it blinks, I can open/close it, and I can see it in the System Report settings under the USB Device Bus Tree at USB 3.1. But the drive doesn’t get recognized and no disc ever spins up. I tried all the ports, different cables, Apple cables, third party cables, different USB-A to USB-C adapters Apple and third party, even different drives, nothing.

I also tried it on a 2020 Mac Mini M1 running Monterey 12.5. SAME EXACT problem with the USB-C 3.1 ports but when I try the 3.0 USB-A port, boom, it works flawlessly.

So I dunno what to do. The drives are advertised as USB 3.2 Gen 1. Am I just outta luck? Is there anyway to downgrade my MacBooks USB 3.1 ports so they only run at 3.0?

Posted on Sep 17, 2023 1:27 AM

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Answer 1

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PRP_53

Level 10

90,883 points

Sep 17, 2023 2:19 AM in response to flohopf

As couple of things

1 - (2023 running Ventura 13.2.1) - try updating to current version 13.5.2

2 - Mac Mini M1 running Monterey 12.5. - try updating to current version 12.6.9

About the security content of macOS Ventura 13.5.2

About the security content of macOS Monterey 12.6.9

3 - Connect the drive Directly to the computer and without any Hub or such

4 - MacBook Pro M2 ONLY >>

If your Mac asks you to allow an accessory to connect - Apple Support

Excerpt from link above

When you use a new or unknown USB accessory, Thunderbolt accessory, or SD card with your Mac laptop with Apple silicon and macOS Ventura or later,

Aside - have a Lacie DVD+ external with USB-A Male connectors. Use an inexpensive USB-A to USB-C third party dongle on a M2 Laptop and works fine

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Answer 2

flohopf Author

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Sep 17, 2023 2:25 AM in response to PRP_53

Thanks for the reply.

The drive is connected directly. I haven’t tried using a hub yet, that was just an idea.

I allowed the device/accessory when promoted. I even went into the settings and changed to “ask every time” and allowed again just to be safe.

Updating to Ventura 13.5.2 seems to be my only option.

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Answer 3

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,158 points

Sep 17, 2023 4:54 AM in response to flohopf

I have a drive that requires more power and uses an adapter like this that requires using two USB ports:

https://www.amazon.com/HUHANGGod-Splitter-Delivers-External-Blu-ray/dp/B0BQC2HV32/ref=sr_1_20?crid=3F6KXCGMYLC09&keywords=dvd%2Bdrive%2Bdual%2By%2Badapter%2Bfor%2Bpower&qid=1694951464&sprefix=dvd%2Bdrive%2Bdual%2By%2Badapter%2Bfor%2Bpower%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-20&th=1

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Answer 4

PRP_53

Level 10

90,883 points

Sep 17, 2023 7:08 AM in response to flohopf

Welcome as the computer is at least using the most current version of Ventura

Not Knowing the Exact Model and year of the problematic Verbatim CD / DVD Writer

You may consider https://www.verbatim.com/includes/binary_details.php3?show=1&id=7881#:~:text=The%20drivers%20will%20be%20installed,USB%20port%20of%20your%20computer.&text=After%20successfully%20completing%20the%20installation,drive%20letter%20is%20assigned%20automatically.

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Answer 5

flohopf Author

Level 1

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Sep 17, 2023 8:06 AM in response to PRP_53

That adapter came with the drive. The cable is USB-C port from the drive to USB-A, which then had that adapter for the MacBook’s USB-C port. I even switched that adapter for Apple’s official USB-A to USB-C adapter. And then I tried just a USB-C cable directly. An official Apple cable and a third party cable. All didn’t work.

I honestly feel like this is a software issue in MacOS and not the cable or adapters doing what they’re supposed to.

Like I said, I can see the drive in the System Report in MacOS. Its just not letting me use it.

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Answer 6

flohopf Author

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Sep 17, 2023 9:08 AM in response to PRP_53

The 3.0 doesn’t help me on the MacBook Pro because it doesn’t have it. I only have 3 3.1 ports. That’s the whole point here. Obviously everything 3.0 should work on 3.1, but it’s just not in this case.

And I mean “just live with it” for almost a $3000 laptop is a cruel joke.

Verbatim has been contacted, but it’s just Sunday so I won’t hear anything today, probably for a couple days.

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