Superdrive trobleshooting

iMac superdrive not working properly? blank dvds are not loading to desktop and when they do, they take a very long time. When attempting to burn a dvd movie I get an error message "DVD structure is corrupt" or "Not enough space to burn file." Please advice. Thank you.

Hi
Does the Superdrive work if you disconnect the Combo?
If it still does not, I would suggest replacing it.
If it does, then the Phillips drive is not happy sharing the bus, and your options are either to replace the Phillips drive, replace the Pioneer, or move one to the ATA-66 bus and use Ardiem to control it (keyboard eject will only work on the ATAPI bus).

Similar Messages

Help.. Superdrives open and will shut then reopen

I have a Mac Pro 2.8 8-Core, and I just added a second drive to the machine. It boots fine and the trays are shut. When I push the eject button on the keyboard both trays open, then I push the eject button again and they both go in, hang for a second then both come out again. I cannot get them to stay shut in the machine. I got the second drive from the apple store, so it's an apple product... What do I need to do?
Thanks !

Hi Scubaking,
the'jumpers' are located on the back of the SuperDrive right alongside the other connectors (power and data).
The jumper itself is a little piece of plastic with a wire inside of it, which connects two of the avaiable pins.
A diagram which pins to connect or to leave open in order to get 'Cable select' is printed on the case of the SuperDrive itself.
Stefan

Snowleopard broke my intern Superdrive on MacBook Pro (Original)

Hello,
As by Thomas A Reed sugested (in my first thread, maybe someone can delete the one), i start a new thread, to keep it oversight and clear. Right now, i'm convinced, my case belongs to the 10.6 thread. The main threads about this problems seems to be in the Hardware MacBook Section:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1918925&start=405&tstart=0
But, because they are mixed up with other superdrive problems there. The problem itself seems to need more diversification as you'll see here.
INVENTORY:
• WHATS THE PROBLEM
• CONFIGURATION
• WHAT I'VE CHECKED
• WHY AM I SURE THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY SNOWLEOPARD?
• WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW (What to do, how to react)
WHATS THE PROBLEM:
Last sunday (the 10/4/2009), i installed 10.6 (and right after that the imediately followed software actualisation to 10.6.1). It's the first new system i installed after 10.4.11. (i was and am still happy with 10.4.11, because it is stable). Apple does not say, SL would not work to use it on a system, where another system (like my 10.4.11) is installed. Instead, they say in their manual: "If you'll install it over (what i didn't) an 10.4.10 to 10.5.x, you'll have to read the Firmwareupdate Article" that i read. It was belonging ONLY to MacBook Air's !! and thats why this specific Firmware-Update did not wanted to proceed!!. last week i've found an Apple Store in my country, where i thought i may buy and try the SL. U never know, when u'll need it one day, so i wanted to become some experience with it. So I choosed the third partition, because it was free.
Right after the installation and the software-actualisation, my superdrive began to eject all DVD's and CD's (comercials, as own burned ones) right after inserting and clicking twice. In other words, it does not accept any optical media anymore. I never had any problem with this superdrive under 10.4. But after the SL-Installation, also 10.4.11 does "NOT ACCEPT" any CD's and DVD's anymore!
CONFIGURATION:
It's a Mac Book Pro 17" Intel (Original), 2.16 Ghz Dual Core Duo, 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 10.4.11 on the first partition & 10.6.1 on a third partition, Localisation: Swiss/German.
I did My intern SAMSUNG HD format as a GUID (as the OS X Installer said it has to be, if I would like to use OS X on a INTEL-Mac) and the partitions were HFS+ journaled.
1. Partition (OS X.4.11): 49,68 GB / 11.11 GB FREE
2. Partiton (Data): 149.68 GB / 7.69 GB FREE
3. Partition (OS X.6.1): 32.97 GB / 27.46 GB FREE
The third partition was free. I used it as a spare place, for temporarly backups or cases, i need more space. Thats why i choosed it to try out 10.6.
In the System Profiler the drive is still availabe. So it's present. It says under: "Hardware/Medium brennen":
MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-846:
Firmware-Version: FQ3T
Verbindungstyp: ATAPI
Brennen möglich: Ja (Laufwerk von Apple geliefert)
Cache: 2048 KB
DVD lesen: Ja
Beschreibbare CD: -R, -RW
Beschreibbare DVD: -R, -RW, +R, +R DL, +RW
Schreibstrategien: CD-TAO, CD-SAO, DVD-DAO
Medien: Um die verfügbaren Brenngeschwindigkeiten anzuzeigen, legen Sie ein Medium ein und wählen dann „Darstellung“ > „Aktualisieren“.
and under ATA:
ATA-Bus:
MATSHITADVD-R UJ-846:
Modell: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-846
Version: FQ3T
Seriennummer:
Absteckbares Laufwerk: Nein
Protokoll: ATAPI
Einheiten-Nummer: 0
Socket-Typ: Intern
Low-Power-Polling: Ja
Ausschalten: Ja
WHAT I'VE CHECKED:
• i repaired the rights both on 10.4.11 and 10.6.1
• i started fsck (both, in 10.4.11 and 10.6.1)
• i resetted the PR-RAM
• i resetted the OF
• i resetted the System-Management (5-button, as apple suggested)
• i checked the RAM. Result: "BANK 0/DIMM0 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM 667 MHz OK
BANK 1/DIMM1 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM 667 MHz OK"
• i created new users (in both, 10.4.11 and 10.6.1), it still did not work.
• i checked for a hanging Firmwareupdate in the Account/Startup on both systems. (there was nothing)
• i tried an old CD-Cleaning set, but it did not help too.
• i do wether use Bootcamp, nor VM-Ware (as some minors with that problem did)
• i searched for other related Firmwareupdates, but they all only would work on a 10.5.x!
WHY AM I SURE THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY SNOWLEOPARD?
• First you can say its a bad coincidence. But I've seen a lot of coincidences in between. More likely i would have won a Jackpot in Lotto, than that something like that would not happen exactly right after (seconds/minutes) a major Software Update that includes a hidden Firmware-Update or new Hardware-Limits-Specifications for a specific hardware! (as we had it in the past several times). Do U agree?
• This drive worked allways well and was heavely used (reading, burning, watching DVD's, listening to Audio-CD's, everything). There was absolutely no other harm to this Drive and i handled it carefully and it's the same old as the MacBook Pro Intel itself (in other words: new enough, but old enough, that the guarantee ran out). Last I could install SL from the Retail-DVD from the new Apple Shop.
• The drive is still listed in System Profiler, it tries to read, but does not seem to "know" the inserted discs anymore (makes twice a try to read)
• There are hints (from Apple itself on their support-webpages), that 10.6 tried to update a superdrive firmware what caused some problems for others. In my case the FW-Update seems to have proceed successfully, but now the drive don't recognices any CD's and DVD's.
• last but not least under Google you'll find a lot of articles related to that (or a similar problem) right now. Type in "Superdrive Snow Leopard Problem" and you'll see what I mean. And I've found out, that apple is investigating the SUPERDRIVE-Problem with the Snow Leopard at least since the 14.September 2009 now, after the 10.6 came out.
WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW (What to do, how to react):
1. Waiting for a new FU-Update that corrects the error with the Superdrive?
2. bring my MacBook Pro to a certified Repair place and demand for a new Superdrive for free?
3. bring my MacBook Pro to the AppleStore where I bought 10.6 on sunday and demand a new Superdrive for free (but it's a long way to there)?
4. send my MacBook Pro to Apple Ireland or somewhere in Europe is no option, i need it exactly heavily this week
5. try to install an older Superdrive (from an old, damaged PowerBook G4) on my own?
Until then i "temporarly solved" the problem by buying an extern USB-DVD/CD burner. But I don't want to carry that thing everywhere with my Laptop.
Cheers,
Tazmandevil

I do repairs on a weekly basis, but I do not do warranty work for Apple. I do have an opinion about your drive failure.
As far as I can tell, all of your logic is self-serving and wrong. If a drive quits working after you install Snow Leopard, and won't work with Tiger or Leopard, the drive has failed. Snow Leopard does not change the firmware on the drive, or motherboards. The fact that the drive shows up under Profiler does not mean that the laser optics in the drive itself are still aligned properly or that the motor is spinning the disk at the right speeds. You can try to use a cleaning disk. I've had some luck on occasion.
Booting from a known good disk will prove the issue. Booting happens before an OS has time to run software drivers, and the drive is under control of the motherboard's firmware.
4 Options:
1 - Warranty Replacement - you will need to ship or deliver the laptop for repairs.
2 - Pay for Replacement
3 - Replace the drive yourself, with the proper drive.
4 - Use a cheap external drive until you can take the machine off-line long enough to get the repairs done.
I've seen these drives fail by accidental abuse (machine was dropped and bent the aluminum frame around the slot and warped the drive), over-use (a client decided to make hundreds of copies of disks for friends at a school - too much heat), dirt build-up (cleaning disk can work here), and other unknown failures (some drives quit working and a replacement fixes the problem). Replacement drives are available for around $150 US, and there are YouTube videos that demonstrate how to change the drive.
I had a MBP have an optical drive fail after upgrading from Tiger to Leopard. I used an external drive for a year or so. Fortunately, I purchased the 3 year warranty, and after I got a new iMac I was able to take the Laptop in for repairs by a certified Apple repair station (less than a week turnaround). The new drive boots a Tiger DVD, Leopard DVD, and of course, Snow Leopard.
Hardware like this, that quits working with earlier versions of an OS that the machine is designed to run, are never fixed by a System Update because it's a physical problem with the drive.

Is there any way to prevent the OS from querying the Superdrive when start

Just a random question. Whenever my MacBook Pro starts up (either from sleep or a complete/fresh start, the OS queries the drive slot to see if there is a disc present. While this may be normal behavior, it seems to slow down the start up process. (I rarely ever have a disc in the drive). Just curious if this, in fact, normal, or if there's something awry.

Is there any way to prevent the OS from querying the Superdrive when start
No
he OS queries the drive slot to see if there is a disc present.
How can you tell? Based on the noise it makes?

Installing Windows 7 on iMac via external superdrive resultes in "No bootable device-insert boot disck an dpress any key".

I previously had Windows 7 on my Mac, but removed it after returning from deployment because it had a virus that I could not remove. The only way to remove was to insert a CD/DVD with the anti-virus on, but in my absence, the optical drive was not cleaned and did not work. I had only been using partition for college, so I removed it.
Now, six months later I am trying to re-instal Windows, but after creating the partition and inserting the disk into the external Superdrive, when Bootcamp reboots I get "No bootable device -- insert boot disk and press any key". Nothing happens, I can't even type on the screen. I can reboot to Mac via the alt-option key fine, and I can see the drives, the Windows CD, etcetera, but nothing works. When I go back to Mac, Bootcamp won't work unless I delete the partition over from scratch, but I'm getting the same result.
Is the computer looking for the internal optical drive (which doesn't work, and can only be repaired by sending the whole thing back to Apple)? Is there a way to default to the external optical drive?
Thanks.

Bob, thanks. I misread the PDF (font on phones is difficult to see). Got it fixed now.

How can I install windows 8 on a mac without superdrive?

Hi there.
I have an old Macbook pro (early 2007) which is still quite good, except from the superdrive which got broken.
I would like to completely wipe out OSX (Lion) from that and install Windows 8 instead.
Problem is, I cannot install it from optical drive, since it's broken (and plus, I don't have access to an external drive).
Is it even possible to install windows 8 from USB on this computer? If so, what should I do?
Thank you!

You can only install Windows from an external disc drive or an USB drive in one of these computers:
- MacBook Pro with Retina display.
- MacBook Air.
- iMac (Late 2012).
- Mac mini (Mid 2010 and newer).
As you don't have any of these computers, you need the SuperDrive to install Windows 8. In your case, you have to install a SuperDrive in your MacBook Pro in order to install Windows by using Boot Camp

My Unused SuperDrive does not work? It keeps ejecting the DVDs.

Hey everyone!
This is my first question on Apple Support Communites and I'm really happy!
I have bought a MacBook Pro and I have owned it since Dec. 31, 2013, and I am so glad! This was a second hand computer bought from a friend.
I bought this very computer for My SuperDrive, as I knew they were being phased out.
I put a CD in - and my Mac just spit it out.
It makes some noises as if the computer is going to read it, but it doesn't. Every Disc just ejects.
This works for all CDs alike: DVDs, Blank CDs, Audio CDs, You name it!
I really need my SuperDrive Working but it really isn't.
Note that the previous owner has NEVER USED IT and I also NEVER USED IT.
My Mac came with an installation disc for Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.6 and I'm presuming that the Optical Drive was only used to install OS X.
This is my very first Apple Product so I don't really know much at all.
I called Apple and they told me to press a few buttons but that didn't work.
The Apple Employee told me that it SHOULDN'T Be failing as it is a relatively new machine.
I cleaned it out but I think that it is a Software Problem with OS X Mavericks 10.9.1.
Note: I am currently using 10.9.1 but will update to 10.9.2 when I have access to my Mac.
The Reason I say that it is a software problem because the DVD Playback file found in the folder: /System/Library/Frameworks/DVDPlayback.framework/Versions/A/DVDPlayback
Says Modified 23 Oct 2013, which was when Mavericks was released. Maybe I could get a hold of the original file to reverse the effect.
I would downgrade to Snow Leopard, but my SuperDrive isn't working :'(
Just so you guys know: My MacBook is an Early 2011 13.3" MacBook Pro.
I am also experiencing other difficulties but I won't get into them now.
I live in Australia and I am 14 years old. Sorry if I don't know much about Macs yet (but I guess I know quite a bit about Normal Computers).
Thanks for bearing with my long rant!
Omi Jack

Omi Jack,
It may be that the SuperDrive lens is simply dirty. You can test this out by purchasing an inexpensive DVD/CD cleaning ket - readily available from most electronics stores.
If that doesn't 'fix' the problem, it may be that the SuperDrive simply isn't functioning. You could purchase a replacement for it and install it yourself. I don't know Australian websites that specialize in Mac parts, but you can shop at the US website OWC and I kow that they ship internationally. You may also want to use their live chat and see if they know of a vendor in Australia that would have new SuperDrives in stock.
Try the cleaning method first. You could also take the machine to your local Apple Store or an AASP an get a diagnosis and estimate for repair from them but I would look into replacing it yourself first.
OWC also have videos that show you how to replace the SuperDrive in your particular model.
Good luck,
Clinton

Using 2 Identical SuperDrives with DVDSP in Mac Pro

Hello-
I recently installed 2 new identical Pioneer 118 Superdrives in my 2006 Mac Pro. In DVDSP, I'm having problems selecting a drive and burning discs. The Burn dialog box allows me to select either drive, but both have identical names. When the top one in the list is selected, sometimes the bottom tray will open; when I try to burn a disc there, it takes a long time for the burn to begin, and sometimes it will hang before finishing. I'm not sure if the Mac is having a tough time figuring out which drive is which because of the identical names.
I have both drives installed correctly, with Cable Select chosen on both. I wonder if there is way, anywhere, to rename the drives, or if this is the problem. The drives both read any kind of disc without problems, and I have burned discs on both, so they do work. I can also create disc images, which I can then burn in disc utility.
It just seems like DVDSP gets confused because the drives are identical. Should I get a different model or brand of drive to replace one, or is there another way to straighten this out?
Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.

Thanks for the response; I've been trying a few things today, and they seem to be working now. Both drives show up in DVDSP with identical names; when I select the upper name, the lower tray opens, and I can burn the disc. Selecting the lower name results in the upper tray opening, and again I can successfully burn.
In Toast, both names also appear and I can burn to both drives (haven't tried two discs at once, yet), although the names/trays are correctly oriented in Toast.
What I do notice is that these drives (New Pioneer 118s) take an extra minute or so before burning begins (in DVDSP only, so again, this might be a name recognition issue), and are noisier while burning.
I wonder if switching to the master/slave setup would improve anything.

10.9.2 install Bootcamp win7 64bit iMac mid 2010 no bootable device - external superdrive, USB Stick

Hey all,
big problem here.
Trying to install Bootcamp on my iMac 27" mid 2010.
The thing is, during the installation, i get the "no bootable device" black screen, and i think i know why... but i need help.
System, a mid 2010 imac, 2TB HD ( Original) and an SSD Samsung 1TB at the Optical Drive SATA connection.
2TB HD is empty atm. OSX Installed on the SSD.
Bootcamp Assistant. Problem nr. 1.
He first did not want to let me create an USB drive. after hacking the assistat, deleting the "Pre" thing in the info.plist, that worked so far.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5479879?start=105&tstart=0 and several other postings got me so far.
Then when using the assistant, after choosing partition and so, when the iMac restarts, i get the "no bootable device" notice.
Read a lot, and it seems, that older iMacs, that originaly came with an internal superdrive only can install win 7 from that internal superdrive.
I have the problem, that i had it removed to put the SSD there.
So, when doing an EFI Boot, choosing the win USB Stick or the Win in my External Superdrive, - "no bootable...."
So i searched more. rEFIt should help. Installed, and all, doesnt work, same thing. As soon as i want to boot Win from the CD or Thumpdrive, doesnt work. :-(
In one of the many posts, someone wrote something about starting Shell in rEFIt first, etc... didnt work as well.
then i found this post:
http://www.andrewsavory.com/blog/2011/2156
sounded promissing. Somehow getting win installation files onto the Created Bootcamp partion with Virtual Mashine. But it didnt work for me.
The VW Fusion ware is different, and non of the steps he discribes works.
So how can i get it working.. it seems like it is somehow blocked to access something from the USB Ports.
Logicaly i would have to get the installation files onto a Internal drive. i Tried to create a partition and copy the Win 7 USB Thump using Disk Util Progeam onto a seperate, internal partition.. but he just does not what to do that... errormessages when trying to copy it, recreate the drive, etc.
So, i do have a 2TB internal HD, which i can use, an external superdrive, USB.Sticks. any gameplan?
And for Error-excluding: i have an original Win 7 64 bit CD, a burnd one and controled the Hash of the loaded ISO, which i downloaded for the USB-Stick.
Any help? pls!!!

Hi Sam, the Mini Optical may draw too much USB power.
Can you restore that .iso to the Flash Drive as a CD/DVD instead of an image file?

Superdrive There but Not Working at All

My superdrive appears as normal in the system profiler. It will accept and eject disks. However, there is no sign of life in the drive. No temporary spinning or other sign of activity, just silence. I've tried a variety of CDs and DVDs.
I tried updating firmware (successfully) but it did not help. Any other ideas?

Hello and Welcome to Apple Discussions.
It sounds like a mechanical issue to me; which means a new drive.
External Firewire drives are readily available.
Internal drives and very cheap but fairly complicated to fit.
If you are unsure take it to a AASP for their opinion.
regards
mrtotes

New MacBook Air SuperDrive for G4 PowerBook

My G4 PowerBook is still going strong except the original SuperDrive died a few months ago. While watching the MacWorld 2008 Keynote, I see that there is now an External MacBook Air SuperDrive option available for the new MacBook Air for $99. Does anyone know if this external Superdrive will work with the G4 PowerBooks?
Thanks.

Hi, DLaid, and welcome to Apple Discussions. You could replace your internal Superdrive yourself for $50-S75 USD (depending on what drive you chose) and an hour of your time. See the link in my post above. Buying an external optical drive to use with a portable computer would be silly, but if you wanted to do it anyway, there are dozens to choose from besides Apple's. As I explained above, a USB-only drive is totally inappropriate for use with a Tibook, even if it would work. Get a FireWire-capable drive if you buy an external.
Be aware also that when you post in these forums, you aren't talking to Apple; you're just talking to other Mac users like yourself. The people at Apple who need to hear your concerns don't monitor these boards. This is explained in the "Help & Terms of Use" link that appears in the right sidebar of every Discussions page. Your second-paragraph gripes would be more usefully addressed directly to Apple through the appropriate Product Feedback channels:
http://www.apple.com/feedback/

Can I safely use a slimline Superdrive in my MacBook Pro 17"?

Hi All. I've recently bought a new SuperDrive for my MacBook Pro. It turns out that the new Drive is slimmer than the old one. Because of this, there is one bracket that I cannot use to secure the drive into the laptop, as the fitting is not correct (the other brackets that secure the drive, are ok). Am I safe to leave it like this or should I send the drive back for one that is a direct replacement for my old one? The drive I bought is Model No. GSA-S10N. My old drive is Model No. UJ-85J-C. The reason why I would like to keep the new drive is because it writes to DVDR-DL and DVDR+DL, whereas my old drive only writes to DVDR+DL.

Couple thoughts:
1. ALWAYS put the drive in that fits the way it's suppose to. not a good thing to put one in that doesn't fit right as it can cause issues with ejecting disc or damage other parts.
2. the +R stuff seems to hold up better than the -R. I only use +R discs now, I've seen a few -Rs fail after time & have spoken to PC people that had the same thing.
OWC sells the drive that fits your machine & burns everything CD & DVD wise. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/superdrive/MacBookPro17

How to connect USB superdrive with macbook pro?

How do I connect my USB SuperDrive with my MacBookPro?

You should also ask this in the MacBook Pro forum. This is the forum for the white and black plastic MacBooks that were discontinued in 2010. You should also post this question there to increase your chances of getting an answer.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro

What model superdrive is best for macbook pro A1260

My macbook pro has a busted DVDRW - it was a replacement for a previously busted drive - so I don't know how correct it is for my machine.
2.4 Gig A1260 - with the old square battery, running OSX 10.6.8.
Oh - and what HDD - that's really noisy now...and the NVIDA 8600M GT runs real hot...
Your help is greatly appreciated.

Hi Melophage,
Thanks for your helpful reply
I bought a new MacBook 13.3 / MacBook Pro 15-inch Superdrive 9.5mm 8x
Part No. : 661-4279
For hard drives, I have a choice of:
1)   W. Digital Scorpio Blue SATA 3GB/s   5,400rpm   8MB   2.5" 500GB
2)   W. Digital WD7500PPVX SATA111   5,400rpm   8MB   2.5"   6GB/s   750MB
3)   W. Digital Black 9.5mm   7200rpm   16MB   SATA   6gb/s
Will any, or all of these be installed and function easily in my A1260 Macbook Pro?
Again, thank you for your help,
Tim (fridgemagnett)

How can I buy an new Superdrive for my mac pro without having to take my computer to a apple store?????

I have a Mac Pro and my optical drive is not working anymore.Thus, I went to the online store to buy another one.
Surprisingly, the only one I found was the macbook air (external) superdive.
I did not buy it online on that day. However, I went to the Apple Retail Store in Sydney to buy another external hard drive and asked to one of the costumer supports in red if the "macbook air" superdrive would work in any mac. The answer: YES!!! So, I got one. When I was paying the products I asked to the other "red mac guy" the same question... Again, the answer was YES!!!
So... Do these costumer support guys have any training. It is written in the box that requires a macbook air... That's why I asked for two different guys!!! Why did they say YES???
Ok! Lets not put the fault on the red guys... So I ask Apple:
Why apple does not make a external superdrive for pros?? Or one that works for all macs!!
or simply
Why can't we buy internal superdrives anymore? Neither the online store or the retail store sell them anymore!!!
How do I solve my problem? I have to waste my time, making an appointment and taking my Mac Pro to a apple store and wait untill all iphone user in the line learn how to send their photos to their facebook??
It is really strange how apple is leaving the pro costumers behind to become a ipad and iphone industry!
Let do not forget that mac only is where it is now becouse of the pros who made it name and did not leave it die.

You know you don't have to buy a replacement dvd drive from apple. For example, take a look at OWC's selection.
You don't say what year your mac pro is so I use a 2008 as an example. On that page click the little picture that shows a 2008 mac pro. That will take you to this page. And there's an example of a Lite-On drive.
In addition, on the right side of that page are links to instructional videos on how to add the drive to your machine. Click, for example, Optical, med (medium) and you will see how straight forward it is to change the optical drive.

Superdrive trobleshooting

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