Macbook Pro, MacOS 10.7.5, Internal CD Drive not Recognized on Mac side, DOES work on Parallels (Win7) side

2011 Macbook Pro, running MacOS 10.7.5, Internal CD Drive Matshita DVD-R, UJ-8A8 (firmware HB14), doesn't recognize drive when insert CD.  See lots of issues on board about this, haven't seen good resolution yet.
Another clue perhaps... I'm also running Parallels (Build 9.0.24172), with Windows 7 Home Premium (service pack 1 installed), drive recognized and works just fine on the Windows 7 side of the system, which means I can at least load up photos, videos from CDs, drag them over to Mac side, but cannot install Mac software because it won't recognize the drive.
Suggestions?

You're welcome. I know, it's confusing the first time you encounter it. On an external drive, it'll ask you which OS you want to connect to. I think there's something in Parallels settings for the internal drive, but not sure.

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      Flash Player: Version: 15.0.0.152 - SDK 10.6 Mismatch! Adobe recommends 15.0.0.189
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      JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 7 Update 67 Check version
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      Java  Support
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          3% WindowServer
          0% fontd
          0% Google Chrome
          0% ps
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      99 MB mds
      82 MB Google Chrome
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      318 MB Inactive RAM
      1.03 GB Wired RAM
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    ....your question about "128 gig being enough" begs the question for IDEALIZED USE of your macbook AIr
    In the case of a Macbook Air with ‘limited’ storage on the SSD, this distinction becomes more important in that in an ever rapidly increasing file-size world, you keep vital large media files, pics, video, PDF collections, music off your SSD and archived on external storage, for sake of the necessary room for your system to have free space to operate, store future applications and general workspace.  You should never be put in the position of considering “deleting things” on your macbook SSD in order to ‘make space’.
    *Generally, unless you NEED the data at least once every few weeks or once a month,...it really does'nt NEED to be on the SSD of your Macbook Air.
    Professionals who create and import very large amounts of data have almost no change in the available space on their computers internal HD because they are constantly archiving data to arrays of external or networked HD.
    Or in the case of the consumer this means you keep folders for large imported or created data and you ritually offload and archive this data for safekeeping, not only to safeguard the data in case your macbook has a HD crash, or gets stolen, but importantly in keeping the ‘breathing room’ open for your computer to operate, expand, create files, add applications, for your APPS to create temp files, and for general operation.
    Ive got more APPS than any human should have on my 128gig AIR,..(50 or so),....and 10gig of working data, important files etc etc.
    Still have 82gig available....... the entire point is that someone shouldnt consider the Air a "storage device" for tons of pics, music, vids, etc.
    *Never consider any computer a data storage device at any time under any circumstance, rather a data creation, sending, and manipulation device. Anyone who thinks data is safe on any computer, even copied upon multiple partitions is making a mistake that will, without fail, strike.
    For needs of packing around a LOT of "big data" with your Air in its case..., get a nice 1TB HD for $70, or even a 2TB drive not much bigger.
    Perfect 2TB HD, very slim, the "little giant"   made by Toshiba (have several of these) $119
    http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Canvio-Connect-Portable-HDTC720XK3C1/dp/B00CGUMS48 /ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1379182740&sr=1-4&keywords=2tb+toshiba
    *This one is the BEST  external HD available that money can buy:
    $75
    HGST Touro Mobile 1TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
    http://www.amazon.com/HGST-Touro-Mobile-External-HTOLMX3NA10001ABB/dp/B0062FZ2WS /ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1379185002&sr=1-1&keywords=hitachi+extern a l+hard+drive

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