MBP 9,2 with built-in Superdrive doesn't recognize CD-ROMs

[cbsnbiker]

My MBP 9,2 with built-in Superdrive doesn't seem to be recognizing CD-ROMs. I insert them, I can hear the Superdrive spin them, but there's nothing in Finder, nothing in Desktop, etc. It used to read them for many years. This may be the first time I've tried to read a CD-ROM since updating to Catalina--not sure. I have tried several CD-ROMs--bupkis.

It does read, play, and import audio CDs. I just imported an audio CD to make sure that it works.

(I haven't tried a DVD recently.)

Any recommendations? Am I missing something?

 

[cbsnbiker]

Anyone?

 

[hg.wells]

Do the cd’s have any content on them?

 

[cbsnbiker]

They do. I have read the files on this computer many times in the past.

 

[cbsnbiker]

Anyone else?

 

[cbsnbiker]

Hello?

 

[cbsnbiker]

I'd still like to read these CD-ROMs with my Superdrive. Any other advice?

 

[cbsnbiker]

I am still unable to read CD-ROMs with my built-in Superdrive. Maybe someone else has any suggestions to help me get this to work again?

 

[RioRio]

Does the drive sound normal or does it make strange noises? In my experience, when SuperDrives fail reading media, it's because of a dirty lens. In this case normally you hear weired noises from the drive, like it trys to read and stops and tries again. You have to disassemle it and clean the lens with compressed air or with a clean-room q-tip and isopropyl alcohol.
Before doing this, you should exclude a software issue. Install an older version of MacOS on an external drive, boot from that and try to play a CD from there. If it works, the lens is not dirty, but you are having a software issue.

 

[cbsnbiker]

I just imported two audio CDs successfully. The computer and SuperDrive read them just fine.

The computer just stopped reading CD-ROMs at some point. I just inserted a CD-ROM. It spins up. It spins down. It never appears in Finder. It never pops up a window.

Ditto other CD-ROMs.

I wonder if this issue happened with one of the numerous software updates.

I'll try booting with an older version of MacOS.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[RioRio]

I've found this tutorial most helpful:

 

[jagolden]

I’ve had this happen with old CD-RW discs, but not a ROM disc.

 

[RioRio]

You can also try booting a Linux live stick for testing the DVD drive. This way you don't need to install anoter OS.

 

[dukebound85]

get a new drive? they make usb ones

 

[RioRio]

Getting a new drive because the lens is dirty is like buying a new car because the fuel tank is empty.