We get a LOT of questions about these drives. Although some people are able to use these, your statement:
This device is probably about 10 years old and perhaps incompatible with moderns Macs?
may hold some truth truth. The USB SuperDrive was last updated in Summer 2012 and runs at slow USB 2 speeds
But...the fact that it shows similar issues on two different Macs could indicate the drive is simply dirty. All slot-load optical drives get filthy inside with time. Before doing anything else:
1) Try a drive-cleaning disk
2) Make sure the SD is connected directly to the computer, not to a hub or dock.
3) If you need a port adapter, some people, says they get best results using an Apple-branded one. Apple lists these:
USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter
USB-C to USB Adapter
However, other users seem to make any adapter work.
4) And, please don't take this as an insult or snarkiness, but it is the leading cause of SuperDrive issues reported here. I must ask—is the silver side up??
It is possible the Apple have declared the geriatric USB SuperDrive at end-of-life. Current store listing:
We are on the verge of buying Mrs AJ a new iMac and she has occasional need for and optical drive. I am considering this one:
https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MR3USD24/
It has a boatload of advantage over the Superdrive for only US$5 more:
- Has it own power supply so it does not scab power from the computer's USB bus
- Is USB 3
- Is tray-loading (generally more reliable then slot-loaders)
- Power and data cables are bog-standard, detachable, and replaceable. If the cat chews up a SuperDrive cable, you get to buy a new drive. 🐱
Downside? Well yes. The 1990's called wanting their enclosure back, but we tuck all our externals out of sight behind our iMacs anyway. The drive inside the dated enclosure is up to date. I'll take reliable over minimalist design any day.
