SuperDrive Ruining my CDs/DVDs

My first MacBook Pro suddenly stopped booting (hung during boot). I ran disk utility and it found some issues and fixed it - however, it still would not boot. As a desperate attempt, I tried to re-install Mac OS X, which repeatedly failed. I took it back to the Apple store and when they ejected the DVD, there were lots of pretty rings on the Install DVD. They immediately gave me a new MacBook as a result.
Since I hated the "stock" pre-installed OS X that came with Apple machines, I immediately did a clean/customized install of Mac OS X. Everthing went fine. However, after copying back the backup files on my backup CD, I noticed that the backup CD is scratched - BIG TIME. I now have perfect circular DEEP scratches all over the CD.
The only thing I can think of was that during the backup restore, I moved the MacBook from my coffee table to my desk - which is 2 feet away! If this is a result of picking up the MacBook while I have a CD in the drive, this is NOT acceptable and Apple needs to do something about this. On a $1,000 dollar machine, I can live with that. But on a $2500 machine - NO WAY.
In case you are wondering, NO - I picked it up and moved it as I would anything that costs $2,500 (very carefully).
Does anyone else have this problem? This is my 2nd MacBook - so I know if is not just a fluke.

I'm experiencing the same thing...destroyed my windows xp pro disk. It's a shame this problem exists with a product that costs over $2500! On my way back to the apple store tomorrow to get a replacement!

Similar Messages

Superdrive only reads Cds, DVDs are spit out, and burning always fails.

HL-DT-ST DVDRW GWA4080MA:
Firmware Revision: AE38
Interconnect: ATAPI
Burn Support: Yes (Apple Shipped/Supported)
Cache: 2048 KB
Reads DVD: Yes
CD-Write: -R, -RW
DVD-Write: -R, -RW, +R, +RW, +R DL
Burn Underrun Protection CD: Yes
Burn Underrun Protection DVD: Yes
Write Strategies: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, CD-Raw, DVD-DAO
Media: No
this is the information about my drive. I never installed the infamous 2.1 superdrive update, so i dont know if this issue is related. My driver stills reads cds, so it isnt totally dead. Any help would be sooooo much appreciated.
"Media: No" seems like the most likely culprit, what can i do to fix that? My brother has the exact same issue with his identical model of MBP (2.33ghz C2D).

{quote:title=..::Tom::.. wrote:}{quote}
Thanks. Of course I meant an erase and install.
I could understand it being the battery if no discs worked at all, but why would the drive work with the apple discs and no others? Is there a way of testing the battery without opening up the case and replacing it?
Testing the pram battery? Yes, make sure your PowerBook is set to the correct date and time. Unplug the PowerBook from the mains and remove your main battery. Wait a couple of minutes then put everything back to normal and start it. Make sure you also have turned off in the date and time setup the ability to use a network time server.
If your PowerBook still has the correct date and time your pram battery is working.
Why only certain disks? As I mentioned in my previous posting if the lens is dirty this could be the problem. For example on PowerBook I just worked on it was not reading disks until I happened to put in one particular one that it read. That told me the problem was intermittent and that the drive was working to a degree. Since this laptop was quite dirty/dusty I figured it could be a dirty lens since it is fairly easy for dirt to work it's way into the drive.
Took the quick and easy way out, however if it starts to act up again I may have to pull apart the drive I use a high quality photo lens cleaning brush to give it wipe but do not use any pressure as you can damage the wiring going into the lens and of course do not do this with the hardware powered! In a worse case scenario I use a dab on Kodak lens cleaning solution on a wadded piece of lens tissue but again I don't recommend this approach unless you're really really really gentle.
There are also cleaning CD's and the Allsop one isn't bad as it has a small row of brushes attached to it that wipe the lens when it passes by, my fear is causing damage if it knocks the lens and some VRDS drives this will not work with.
Kevin

Superdrive only reads cds, dvds not working

Help!
My almost 1 year old imac has stopped reading dvds, when you put a video dvd/ dvd+-r/w it spits them out, but this doesnt happen with cds, i dont get a message on osx or anything
Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Make sure the DVDs are not cracked, smudged and/or dirty. See the following article: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=50448 How to Handle and Clean CD and DVD Discs
It's also possible your DVD/CD drive needs cleaning. CD/DVD cleaning kits can be purchased from any store that sells CD/DVDs.
I would give Apple a call prior to your 1 year warranty running out if you do not have the 3 year AppleCare Protection Plan & see what they have to say. At least get a case# in case you do actually have a hardware problem prior to your 1 year warranty running out.
Hopefully, some other more knowledgeable users will chime in here to help you out.
Good luck

My MacBook Pro's internal SuperDrive has stopped recognizing CDs/DVDs after Yosemite install

After upgrading to Yosemite, my MacBook Pro's (early 2011) internal SuperDrive has stopped recognizing CDs/DVDs after Yosemite install. It takes them in and will eject them with the keyboard button, but they will not mount. Disk Utility shows the SuperDrive and shows the inserted media, but will not mount the disk. That button is grayed out. Please help! I still have training libraries and music I access on such media. Thx!

UPDATE: I discovered some forum posts about a similar issue with Mavericks that recommended re-installing the system to fix the problem. I realized that I rarely restart my computer unless there's an update that requires it, and decided before undertaking a full re-install of Yosemite to simply restart my computer again. THIS WORKED! The SuperDrive is now mounting CDs and DVDs. Not sure what the issue was, but if anyone else has this issue I hope this will save you hours of frustration.

HELP - Combo superdrive scratches my CDs when tilted

Hi,
I have a problem with my macbook much like what is described on appledefects.com below. I tilt the macbook a little bit, like when lifting it up and it scratches my macbook. I purchased this macbook when it first came out, around like a week after it came out. I went to the apple store in NYC at Fifth ave and they said that the macbook isn't really meant to be worked on anything not on a flat surface. But I really feel that even with my macbook working on my lap, it shouldnt ruin my cds. They also said that this isn't registered on their database so that it doesn't qualified for repairs. Help!
Thanks.
Destruction of Media inserted into Combo/Superdrive
Reports of the inserted disks physically being destroyed by Apple's built in drives. Users report the
appearance of 'sandpaper' looking scratches, or other kinds of etching onto various media.
AT YOUR OWN RISK, here are instructions to damage the drive media, courtesy of apple's discussion boards:
Step 1: Put in CD/DVD into optical drive.
Step 2: Wait until the drive gets up some speed (so you hear the nice humm it makes when its spinning.
Step 3: Pick up your macbook and tilt left and right. (listen for the scratching noises)
Step 4: Eject the disk and notice that your DVD/CD has nice new pretty white markings on the readable side. (OH NO you just ruined your cd/dvd)
This has beeen fixed in macbooks weeks 36 and onwords. Call Apple Care if your drive causes this problem.
Source: http://www.appledefects.com/wiki/index.php?title=MacBook

sorry..it scratches my CD not my macbook...

IMac not reading CDs/DVDs

I'm on an older (late 2009) iMac, just installed Maverick a few days ago, but the problem preceeds this. Basically, my computer will not read CDs or DVDs. Any disc I put into the computer, I hear the whirring noise as if it's reading the disc, but it immediately winds down. It will repeat trying to read the disc 2 or 3 more times, then just spit the disc out.
I tried spraying some compressed air into the slot, and it still won't read most CDs or DVDs, but now when I insert an MP3 CD that my boss had burned for me, the window pops up for when you insert a blank CD, so the drive is reading blank (or previously burned CDs AS blank), but not DVDs or normal CDs (for example, it spit out both a video game installation disc and a movie DVD).
I made sure that if i go to Finder > Preferences > General that "CDs, DVDs and iPods" is checked, and everything looks normal in System Preferences > CDs & DVDs.
Anyone have any ideas?

Another help source (if you haven't already done so).
Go to your OS Help Menu. In the search field type dvd
Click on all the troubleshooting topics & Support Articles that pertain to your issue.
You can also do the same in Disk Utility. Open same up.
At the bottom left of the window, click on the purple button w/the "?" in the middle.
This will bring up the Help Menu.
===============
Try a different brand. Top forum favorites
CDs
FUJI
TDK
Verbatim
DVDs
Maxell
Verbatim
==============
Apple's Disc Burning Quick Assist
Make sure the DVDs are not dirty, smudged and/or scratched.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2000 Mac doesn't start up from install disc
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2801 Apple Computers: Troubleshooting the slot-loading SuperDrive
*** Your drive may need cleaning. Cleaning kits can be purchased from any store that sells CD/DVDs. ***

My MacBook keeps ejecting all my cds/ dvds. Help!

My MacBook keeps ejecting all my cds/ dvds. Help!

It sounds like the superdrive is bad. The only other thing you can do is try to put it back in again. Some times the 3rd time works. None the less it will need to be replaced.

I'm running Mavericks 10.9.3, updated iTunes earlier today, but although I can play audio CDs, DVDs will not play, any suggestions?

I'm running Mavericks 10.9.3, updated iTunes earlier today, but although I can play audio CDs, DVDs will not play, any suggestions?

Hello there, tomazdes.
The following Knowledge Base article written for the USB SuperDrive, offers some practical steps to try when issues present themselves with particular content playback (feel free to skip Step 3 when working with an iMac or MacBook with built-in drives):
Apple Computers: Troubleshooting the slot-loading SuperDrive
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2801
Particularly:
Accepts discs but they don't mount or are automatically ejected
Make sure the drive is not placed upside down. The aluminum enclosure should be facing up as shown in section 1.
Check the disc's surface for scratches and dirt, since these things can prevent the disc from appearing on the desktop.
Connect the MacBook Air SuperDrive directly to the computer's USB port instead a USB hub.
Reset the System Management Controller (SMC).
Ensure your drive can read the specific type of disc being used. The System Profiler or System Information may provide additional information regarding what media your computer supports.
OS X Snow Leopard v10.6 or earlier: Open Apple System Profiler by choosing "About this Mac" from the Apple () menu. Then, click More Info.
OS X Lion v10.7 and later: Click the Apple () menu and then hold down the Option key. Choose System Information from the menu.
If the disc continues to not be recognized, contact Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, or make an appointment with an Apple Retail Store.
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.
Cheers,
Pedro.

EMac SuperDrive won't mount DVDs

My eMac won't mount any DVDs, including the OS X 10.3 DVD with my system software.
The SuperDrive will mount CDs that I can play and rip with iTunes.
I think I have followed most of the suggestions that I have found posted here in this forum, including restarting the system and starting the DVD Player and then inserting the disk. I have tried a cleaner CD as well.
As I understand it, the Firmware update for SuperDrives that is posted on the Apple site is for eMacs with USB 2.0, newer machines than mine.
I have had the computer for just over two years and I haven't used the DVD feature much. This seems like a premature failure if I have to replace this drive already.
Any suggestions are much appreciated.
Thanks,
Geof
eMac 1 Ghz Mac OS X (10.3.9) 512 MB SDRAM

I am glad to hear of your good experience.
I am in the same place: my eMac is just over two years old. Here is where my situation differs: I don't have AppleCare, so this will be my nickel if I need to replace the drive.
Yes, it is a Sony optical drive.
I tried the things that Don suggested above and the drive still refuses to mount any DVD at all. I think that, like you, I have a hardware problem.
Thanks to both of you for your posts.
Geof
eMac 1 Ghz Mac OS X (10.3.9) 512 MB SDRAM
eMac 1 Ghz Mac OS X (10.3.9) 512 MB SDRAM

Getting a New MBP and Want to Understand CDs/DVDs

Hello-
this might be the wrong area bt I am sure I will hear if it is. If it is, I apologize in advance.
I have never understood all the various kinds of CDs/DVds. One very specific question I have is trying to purchase the correct CD/DVD for making a copy of the Deluxe TechTool, songs, back-up docs (which I have never done but am planing on getting a really durable external drive to mostly send the back-ups to. On to the CDs at Costco and Best Buy I have not fond a sales person who can explain to be what all the various initials mean and which ones are the best to have for saving things and using the same CD for saving additional date of it is not full and if I want to be able to go back and erase some of the date and RW/R-write over it.
the last CDs I purchased, I put a few songs on one and I could not put anything else. Maybe there is an article that focuses on this topic and explains all the various initials but I really need to learn this. Any help would be much appreciated. Also is there a difference in the sound of recorded music when burning music using a CD that I can keep using until it is full and if I want to make it so that I can't (or any of my brothers can't copy over what I have burned on to the CD?) Not sure if that makes sense. Is there a better quality CD that one would use for music only and when the CD is full I would be ale to do something so that this specific CD can't be used again when it is full, and I make it unusable if anybody tries to add or take away from it.
In advance, thank you.

Fortuny-
I sent Verbatim an -mail. it was fairly long but they were so-so with it. They helped me some understanding their media storage types. Basically, they do not get into using the initials other companies use to tell if the CD or DVD will take on burn or transfer or multiple, if you can erase and use the CD over again, etc. It sounds like (at least for their CDs) their basic CD will take more than one burn of a song or transfer of some data and still just all them "CD-R."
I have never backed up before and I would like to start doing that. When I started using computers and learned how to back-up, we were using CDs to back-up to. (Took a computer class my first year n college and it was MS-DOS. lol) I guess those days are over. Even the DVD and Zip disc are not used much for back-up anymore.
So, I am thinking of getting a heavy-duty external drive that has some rubber added on the edges and can use USB 2.0 or FW 400 or 800. this is primarily for school (grad degree in architecture and planning)
Do you get your Verbatim media from the website or at another store locally?
You satisfied with the quality? (Obviously, but still would like to hear your opinion about that.) Have you used their Music CD (I forgot the exact name)
Thanks again!

CDs, DVDs, disk images won't appear in Sidebar or on Desktop

Hello,
Brand new iMac 2.16, right out of the box.
CDs, DVDs, and Disk Images won't appear on the desktop or in the Sidebar. Nothing is shown over the horizontal gray line at the top of the sidebar, no Macintosh HD, Servers, etc. Disk Images are fully functional, ie Disk Utility recognizes and mounts them just fine.
I checked Mac Help and followed its instructions:
(1) In Finder preferences:Pane:General, all 'Show These Items on the Desktop' boxes are checked.
(2) In Finder preferences:Pane:Sidebar, I checked all boxes under "Show These Items in the Sidebar. BUT these changes are NOT retained. After I close the Preferences, the Sidebar does not change. If I re-open the Sidebar preferences, the relevant boxes are now unchecked, as if I'd never done a thing.
Restarting was the only way to fix the problem. Thereafter, the upper items in the Sidebar (Macintosh HD, external drives, iPod, CDs) sometimes SPONTANEOUSLY disappear. They still show up on the desktop, but tweaking the Sidebar preferences is again ineffective. Restarting is the only solution.
Thank you for your help,
Andy

Hi Andy, Welcome to Apple's Users Help Users Forums.
1] Everything elmac says is helpful and correct.
2] An upgrade to 10.4.8 with the 10.4.8 Combo from blue apple / Mac OS Updates might fix your hiccup. If you don't want .8 then .7 combo.
3] [OT] For some minor security issues, it is better to surf the internet in a standard account. If you are surfing in an admin account then here is how to switch and maintain prefs.
Set up a new account in System Preferences / Accounts / +
and make it have admin priviledges. Be sure to remember short name and password since you will be asked to "authenticate" when running in your standard account. This new account is often called "test" in these forums.
Once that is done convert your regular account to standard.
Good Luck, JP

TS1368 I keep getting this error message and can't open the iTunes store. I've reinstalled iT a half dozen times with no results. "Registry settings used by the iT drivers for importing & burning CDs & DVDs are missing" reinstall iTunes

I can't open the iTunes store and keep getting this error message. "Registry settings used by the iT drivers for importing & burning CDs & DVDs are missing. Reinstall iTunes." I've reinstalled iT a half dozen times with no results.

You might have two different things going on at once here.
Starting with the registry settings message.
I'd start with the following document, with one modification. At step 12 after typing GEARAspiWDM press the Enter/Return key once prior to clicking OK. (Pressing Return adds a carriage return in the field and is important.)
iTunes for Windows: "Registry settings" warning when opening iTunes

Could a SMC or PRAM Reset Affect a Superdrive's CD and DVD Read/Write?

Hi. Would a SMC or PRAM reset make the Superdrive read CD and DVDs better (it mounts CD-RWs and DVD+RWs which is usually labels as untitled DVD but it can't seem to mount original disks that are in good condition like: Snow Leopard DVDs that came with this iMac, Grand Theft Auto IV, Spellforce 2: Shadow Wars)? Or SMS and PRAM resets are not related to Superdrive?
Thank you in advance.
God bless.

The SMCreset does affect the superdrive but your condidion may be from dust/dirt in the DVD on the lens system. Mine is real sensitive to dirt and smudges on the actual DVD but occasional lens cleaning helps. You can get DVD lens cleaners (with the tiny brushes on the disk) from most vendors that carry the media.

My Macbook Pro always ejects any CDs, DVDs that I insert. How do I remedy this?

My Macbook Pro always ejects any CDs, DVDs that I insert. How do I remedy this?

Before taking it for repair, try a drive cleaning disk. They are US$5-15 at most computer, electronics, and office supply stores. Slot-loading drives get dirty and the inexpensive cleaning disk is the logical step before spending a lot of mony.
Case in point: A friend has an older MacBook Pro and its optical drive had not worked in years. When he took the computer to an AASP for servicing another issue, he asked about replacing the optical drive. The Service Provider said it woul cost US$140 paarts + labor to install a new one--something my friend could not afford at the time.
I loaned my friend my drive cleaning disk and now his original drive works like it did when new.

CDs & DVDs system preferences button missing

It seems that the button of the 'CDs & DVDs' system preferences button is missing. Where did it go or, how can I reinstall it ?
Thanks
Martin

no idea - still. But what the heck.

SuperDrive Ruining my CDs/DVDs

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