Superdrive issues

Hello,
I've had a look around on the forums and I'm unable to find anything that seems to exactly match my problem.
First of all, I have a mid-2010 Macbook Pro, which is running Mountain Lion. It hasn't really had any problems at all before but then suddenly last night, I attempted to use a DVD and it didn't work. I tried this with several DVDs/CDs, restarting the computer a few times but no jon
What actually happens is on inserting the disc, it attempts to spin up and then begins to make a grinding noise (computer is pretty much perfectly silent otherwise!). It does this several times before simply ejecting the disc.
I cannot think of anything that could have caused this. I wondered if anyone had had a similar problem and if so, how it was resolved (I will remain hopeful that there are alternatives to drive replacement!)? Also, does anyone have any other suggestions for things that I could try? I am unable to run the hardware diagnostics!
Many thanks,
Chris

The only thing that I've heard of some folks having success with is using one of those CD/DVD lens cleaning kits. Sometimes using the cleaning disc will solve the problem. Sometimes it won't. You should be able to find one of the kits at any electronics retailer or online through Amazon, etc.
If that fails, you've likely a dying SuperDrive. You can have Apple replace it - quite expensive - or replace it yourself (buying a new drive from a company such as OWC).
With any luck, it will just be a dirty lens...
Clinton

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I have iMac (mid 2011) with latest OSX (10.8.2). Seems impossible to install windows without superdrive (it just doesn't work works fine on windows).
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I am not sure if this is OSX restriction by apple, but All I know that I cant install it. If someone have any idea how to fake it or how to bypass this please let me know.
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I have tried with refit, I can see my USB but when I want to boot from it it shows No bootable device error. I have created USB with both Basecamp option and Microsoft official USB creator. None of the worked.

I am not sure which specific issue that is, but it definitely sounds like a hardware issue rather than a software or settings issue. Windows should not have any issues installing; if it does, that would usually point to a hardware issue of some sort.
It could even be your motherboard. Your best bet is to disconnect EVERYTHING that is not needed from the motherboard, including RAM sticks except for the least amount possible, and try installing Windows with that configuration.
Example: you need the power supply, so connect that. If you're installing from a CD/DVD, then you need a CD/DVD drive. You need at least 2 GB of RAM. You need to be able to turn on the computer, so the on/off switch needs to be connected
to the motherboard. You will need a mouse and keyboard. And so on. If this bare-minimum configuration does not work, start replacing items: use a different RAM stick, use a different mouse, use a different keyboard, etc. If, after you
do all this, it still does not work, then I would suspect that your motherboard has an issue. You can also try resetting the CMOS on your motherboard. Some motherboards have a jumper for that, and for others, simply removing the CMOS battery will
do it.
As far as IDE, AHCI, and RAID settings are concerned, this should not matter so long as whichever setting it is on when Windows is installed is the same after it is installed. For example, if it is installed using IDE, then you need to stick with IDE.
If you installed it with AHCI, then you need to stick with AHCI. Changing it after installation can make Windows not boot. There are, of course, ways around that, but it is easiest to simply be consistent.

Superdrive issue

I have a G4 desktop with a Superdrive and am trying to burn a DVD with Popcorn2 from a (mac the ripper) ripped VIDEO_TS folder. I have tried Memorex, TDK and Imation DVD's (some -R and some +R), however whenever I've tried I get a "waiting for the writer" message and it won't burn. Any ideas what the issue might be? Thanks for any help.

hmmmm pretty sure this would violate the dmca to discuss. sorry

External Superdrive Issues

Howdy,
After my internal superdrive on my three-year-old MacBook stopped burning DVDs and reading burnt DVDs, I decided that I would buy an external one rather than bother about replacing it. So, I bought this external superdrive (http://www.powerbookmedic.com/xcart1/product.php?productid=17217&cat=0&page=1), which is advertised as requiring no drivers and working out of the box on any mac with a usb. Sounds good.
The problem is that my computer doesn't recognize it. Or, rather, it does recognize it; System Profiler shows the computer recognizing it, and it will actually play dvds for me, but the drive itself doesn't show up so that I can access, say, a data DVD, and it spits out any dvd or cd that I try to burn. I get different error messages depending on whether I'm trying to burn a DVD with Toast or a CD with iTunes.
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Here's what System Profiler shows for it:
MATSHITA DVD-RAM UJ875AS:
Firmware Revision: 1.00
Interconnect: USB
Burn Support: Yes (Generic Drive Support)
Profile Path: None
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -R DL, -RAM, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Media: To show the available burn speeds, insert a disc and choose View > Refresh
And thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to read this; I always appreciate the thoughtful feedback.

sorry.
just noticed that I posted in wrong category (Mac mini previous to 2009).
i apologize.

SOFTWARE related superdrive issues!!!

The problems with the superdrive on my iMac G4 started with the upgrade to 10.4.9 an still persist with 10.4.10.
The problem is quite simple, the DVD drive does not recognize any previously burned DVD-R (1X or 2X) disks. It reads CDR's without problems, it even reads DVD+R.
The G4 takes some time to recognize a previously burned CDR at slower speed, but it works. It fails to write a CDR at slower speed but CAN write and later read a CD burned at fastest speed.
It simply cannot read any music CD's (it sits inside the drive and later spits it out).
It CAN read commercial DVD movies.
It CANNOT read DVD -RW previously recorded media.
The drive is a SONY DVD RW DW U10A revison A13b
The problem is not the media as I can easily read all the aforementioned disks in my Powerbook G4.
What is happening? help anybody?

Hi, some checks:
note existing values.
run this command on your client machines to confirm their SUS config:
defaults read /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL
run one of these commands on say two client machines to confirm the SUS config issue is DNS related:
defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL http://1.2.3.4:8088/index.sucatalog
defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate CatalogURL http://5.6.7.8:8088/index.sucatalog
server1 ip: 1.2.3.4 subt for configured server ip address
server2 ip: 5.6.7.8 subt for configured server ip address
do for server3 as well
See how you go

How to get replacement media. Bizarre Leopard Superdrive issue

Hi,
When I try to install Leopard from the original disk, I get a failed to install message. I am not sure of the exact message but it is something like;
Cannot install because there isn't any software to install. This happens right at the beginning of the install after it checks the media.
I burned a copy of the Leopard disk with my PC onto DL+R and followed the same steps through the Leopard install and it worked.
Thinking I made a mistake, I formatted and tried to install again from the original but ran into the same problem.
HMM okay. This is telling me there is a problem with my superdrive reading the original media. But here is the weird part. If I put my mini in TARGET disk mode and connect it to another MAC, I can install Leopard from the original disk onto another MAC using the my MINI as a DVD drive.
I find this ultimately confusing because if my superdrive can't read the media well enough to install it onto the same mac the superdrive is attached to, then it should fail when installing it onto the other mac.
Any ideas? Is there a special number to call that deals with replacement media?
Thanks

ntloser,
OK, so you have bad media. Can you see any scratches on the surface of the disk? Has this disk ever worked in your Mini's Superdrive?
If the media is bad, Apple should replace it. My recommendation would be to call support again, and perhaps have your case elevated to the next level of support. If the media is bad, Apple needs to stand behind it free of charge. Be polite, but firm.
That said, you may get better results by going to an Apple store in person. If this is feasible for you, do it.
Keep in mind that the Superdrive in your Mini packs a whole lot of function into a small, slot-loading form factor. The Superdrives in all Apple portables, and this includes the Mini, are incredibly miniaturized, and there is a trade-off for this miniaturization. Speed is one trade-off, but error correction and tolerance is another. Your Superdrive is not faulty, but rather less tolerant of damaged or faulty media than other drives might be.
Apple hardware is covered under warranty for one year, without Applecare. This includes 90 days of free phone support. In cases where warranty coverage is needed, the normal charge for phone support beyond the first 90 days is waived; they may still collect a CC number, but the card is never charged. In cases where no repair is needed, however (user error or lack of knowledge, etc.), you have to pay for "computer support."
I don't know off the top of my head the terms of coverage for software and related media (meaning your Leopard Install disk). However, I do know that it will be completely unrelated to the warranty coverage for your Mini. If the mini came with Leopard, this would be an entirely different story, but as it is you cannot consider them one and the same.
It might be important for you to determine whether the media is faulty, or if it is damaged in any way (scratches, etc.). How long have you had the disk? Did you purchase it new, or secondhand? If you purchased this disk new, and it has no apparent physical damage, then it is likely faulty. As I said before, stand firm on this issue. If, however, the media appears to be damaged in any way, you might consider yourself lucky to get a replacement from Apple for the cost of shipping and handling, if that's what they are offering.
Scott

TiBook Superdrive Issues

Hello,
Over the past few weeks I've been having some issues with my Powerbook's Superdrive. I've seen a few threads for issues somewhat like mine however as I have additional symptoms I figured that I would start my own thread.
I'm unable to burn any type of disc on my Superdrive, doing so results in an error just before the drive begins to actually "write" to the CD. (Error code 0x8002006D)
I have tried using Toast to burn disks as well and get errors at the same time. I have also been having problems viewing many CDs & DVDs that I've been able to in the past, almost at random (but most of the time), the drive makes some noise and spits out discs.
Now I have a 3rd-Party Warranty (Sorry, no Applecare since I'm in FL and not part of a 'business' ) and figured that I would give them a call and see if I could get a replacement part, but I wanted to see if anyone here had any idea what the issue was before doing so as I haven't seen this issue in the past.
Thanks
EDIT: I wanted to point out that in Toast it mentioned specifically that the "Lead-In" and "Lead-Out" failed to be written.

Jason,
I spent some time today with AppleCare trying to resolve my failing "replacement" superdrive. Last month my drive was acting like yours and they replaced it. Since then it has slowly started to fail burning DVDs. It would work 1 out of 4 times then became 1 out or 8-10 times. Now it doesn't write DVDs at all. It reads and writes CDs just fine. It reads DVDs without a problem. It just doesn't write DVDs. I have tested it using another account on my PowerBook and from an external bootable drive. It just doesn't work. I have tried to burn using iDVD, DVD Studio Pro 3, Disk Utility image, Finder with data - nothing works.
Anyway, ApplCare said to get another superdrive because this one must be misaligned. That's the best they could do. I have run Disk Utility to repair permissions, Disk Warrior to rebuild the HD, reset the PRAM... nothing helps so I'm headed to Apple in the morning to get it replaced. I'm not confident that this will work because I have read threads in this discussion of people replacing superdrives 2-3 times.
I have no solution other than replace the drive, just another scenario.
Roger

MacbookPro Retina - Superdrive Issue

Hi everyone,
I just received a Macbook Pro Retina, and I have some strange issues.
One of those issues is related to the Superdrive and the audio CD.
I can't listen some of my audio cd through the Superdrive: the issue seems to be related to the cd produced or related to the Warner Music Group.
The problem is present also in different cd/dvd reader. Other audio cd produced by different company, works perfectly.
Any advice?
Should I return the superdrive or is it a known issue?
Thanks in advance to all of you.
Best Regards.

Try this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135256
I use it on both Mac and Windows. Works great on both.

My macbook pro fell and now it won't boot - superdrive issue?

Hi everyone,
I had a dreadful accident today. My macbook pro (mid 2007) model fell from the table; the lid opened up a little bit but thankfully the display wasn't damaged. The thing is that it won't boot; the screen remains black. The superdrive makes continuously this noise it does when the mac wakes from sleep or boots, and the boot process doesn't go any further. I have already reset its BIOS cache by removing the battery, but with no success.
Anyone familiar with this type of problem? Any chance it is coverable with applecare?
Thank you in advance,
-- ernani

It's hard to diagnose but you do have a problem. Take it to an Apple store or AASP and have them diagnose your damage. And, no AppleCare does not cover user accidents. Check with your homeowners insurance.

Macbook pro superdrive issues after 2.1 firmware update

i have the 07 aluminum body macbook pro (non inibody) and after updating to snow leopard the drive started only reading certain disc and cds and spitting others back out. this is bogus because apple does not want to take responsibility in messing up 1000"s of drives they need to fix this issue or replace every drive they messed up with this update.

Wow! You have thousands of drives, all ruined by Snow Leopard?
Or are you just assuming that because you have a problem, everybody else has it too?

Need help with 2008 macbook pro superdrive issue pleasee

hello,
I have this macbook pro
Model Family: MacBook Pro
Display: 15"
Processor Type: 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo
Model Number: A1260
Color: Aluminum
Factory: China
Production Year: 2008
Production Week: 22 (May)
Production Number: 774
200 gb hd
4gb of ram
also apple care til jun 11
OK so I bought the computer for 650 from my friend and soon after buying found a problem. The problem was the optical drive not reading all the disc that I put in the system. So I took the macbook pro to apple they installed a new super drive. I get home today and try to install snow leopard and have a issue. The way I went about was starting up holding the option button and waiting to boot from the disc for a fresh install. First time I tried I got a symbol that look like the restricted sign you see when you cant smoke in a area ect... So I restart and try again this time I get to the install screen click does the estimation ect.. 34 minutes than goes to 28 minutes pretty much has frozen there now, and after waiting all this time about 20 minutes I get the spinning beach ball. Also forgot to say that the super drive is now super dooper annoying loud and make odd sounds too with vibration. So I guess make another apple gen bar apt? And have them possible replace the super drive again?
update just got an error occured while installing mac os x still have spinning beach ball

I'm guessing Apple didn't do a good job. I think you need to make a return trip. And politely remind them that you're making a return trip.

USB Superdrive issues with tracks beyond number 20

I bought an USB Superdrive for my Retina iMac. Now i can't transfer tracks beyond number 20 in to my iTunes. Let me explain, tracks 1 to 19 seems to transfer properly till it arrives to track number 20 then the transfer-procedure stops. I've tried with two CD and experienced the same problem. Not only the transfer to my iTunes is impossible, it is also impossible to play tracks. The CD's are fitness-CD if this matters to find the problem.
Does someone has an idea, what this could be? Thanks for helping out!

I bought an USB Superdrive for my Retina iMac. Now i can't transfer tracks beyond number 20 in to my iTunes. Let me explain, tracks 1 to 19 seems to transfer properly till it arrives to track number 20 then the transfer-procedure stops. I've tried with two CD and experienced the same problem. Not only the transfer to my iTunes is impossible, it is also impossible to play tracks. The CD's are fitness-CD if this matters to find the problem.
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HT4764 superdrive issues

Why cant I play my cds in my car after I bur the using my superdrive???

I have the same problem! This started maybe a 3 months ago? It's only DVDs. All CDs work fine.
This is what I have:
SONY DVD RW DW-U21A:
Capacity: 583.69 MB
Model: SONY DVD RW DW-U21A
Revision: AADB
Serial Number:
Removable Media: Yes
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk3
Protocol: ATAPI
Unit Number: 0
Socket Type: Internal
OS9 Drivers: No
S.M.A.R.T. status: Not Supported

Macbook Superdrive issues

i have put a couple of burned DVD's and cd's and my macbook superdirve won't read it. the macbook just has a pop-up come up on the screen and give me options having to do with a blank DVD, or CD, whichever is in the drive. when i use actual real cd's or dvd's that i have bought from a store it works just fine. i have just had issues in the past 3 days with this and was just wondering if anyone can help me out.
thanks.

I've had the exact same issue for the last two days now. Judging by the other posts, sounds like we're screwed.

Superdrive Issues... pleeeeease help!!

Hi,
This issue has been raised before but appears not to have been resolved...
My iBook's drive will read both DVDs and CDs as normal, but automatically ejects writable disks of any nature. There's no error message but a bit of the usual drive whirring and clicking takes place.
Can anybody provide some ideas to fix the problem??
Many thanks!
Ed

Whirring and clicking (especially clicking) suggest to me that this might be a mechanical issue rather than software.
I'm hardly the expert though.
If it is a bad drive (sometimes they break down) the good news is replacements are far less expensive than they used to be.

Superdrive issues

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