(27-Inch, Mid 2001) Problems with Bootcamp & El Capitan

[sakhai]

I can't get Bootcamp (6.0) to install Windows 7 on my iMac.

-Optical drive stopped reading DVDs to read my Windows 7 disc (but CDs are fine, oddly enough). NVRAM and SMC fixes don't work.

-Can't install via USB. I can't do a .plist edit because of the new SIP controls (and even when I disable it, and make edits, the restart fails, because Windows 7 can't find a bootable USB).

-I had some luck using WinClone, but it's a torrent with a sketchy copy of Windows 7 that I'd rather not use

I've ran Windows 7 on this iMac using Bootcamp, so I'm surprised its not working now.

What gives?

(27-Inch, Mid 2011)
3.4 GHz Intel Core i7
16 GB 1333 MHz DDR3
AMD Radeon HD 6970M 2048 MB

 

[G.McGilli]

If your iMac really is 15 years old then I think I know what's wrong

 

[sakhai]

If your iMac really is 15 years old then I think I know what's wrong

A typo-- 2011 iMac.

I don't know how to edit the subject.

Anyone able to diagnose the issue with the iMac?