HT1338 iMac + USB Superdrive NOT compatible?

I have a 27"iMac whose internal Superdrive no longer writes DVDs or CDs. I tried cleaning ( Wet + Dry methods) with no success.
Instead of a costly repair or a possibly botched DIY fix, I had a cunning plan!
I bought an External USB Superdrive!
Assuming it would just Plug & Play, I am disappointed to find that it is completely invisible to my iMac!
I would have thought that a piece of Apple Hardware would be instantly recognised and kicked into life, but no.
Can anyone help?
Cheers.
Jim Hunter.

Apple's USB SuperDrive requires more power than is normally allowed for an USB device, and therefore isn't intended for Macs which shipped with an internal one. If you want, you can get it to work by editing one of the computer's plist files.
(88674)

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Which USB superdrive is compatible with Macbook Pro 2009?

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Just check the box - as long as it is USB or Firewire (if you have a Firewire port), it should be fine. Note that you will not see its icon in the Finder - only if you insert a DVD or CD will you see that icon (if you've checked your Preferences to show them in Finder).

Why is my new USB Superdrive not working?

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Is there something I have to set in Preferences or software I have to load?

What year is your Mac? Is this the one you got?
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD564ZM/A/apple-usb-superdrive#overview-4
It only works with the new 2012 iMacs (which would explain why it works with the Macs in the store) and a couple of other models.
You could try an SMC reset:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
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http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11243
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USB SuperDrive not Working as a Secondary Drive for MacBook Pro with Internal SuperDrive

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And
Then go to Finder Preferences
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Don't know how these setting changed but they did. It worked for me.
Message was edited by: pj176

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To Apple Discussions.
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http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964
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HT1338 iMac + USB Superdrive NOT compatible?

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