CD problem

Hmmm. Could you elaborate on the problem a bit more?

Have you tried using other disks or trying movies? Currently, I would try a different CD. It may just be that one, if not, it would most likely be a problem with the drive. If the iMac doesn't recognise any disks, I would think it would be a problem with the superdrive.

 

Sounds like you may have a problem with your superdrive.

 

Agreed. If the drive is a bit picky with what it chooses to play, it's most likely the SuperDrive. Your best bet now is to take it to Apple to repair, or you can buy an external one.

 

hitachi 4020b cr-rw/dvd-r/rw drive

Hello there,
new to the forum, so apologies if I have not joined the correct thread or should have found/started new one. I have a dome/lampstand g4 ppc that needed a replacement cd/dvd unit. I had an older g4 that had a power supply problem but a fully functioning cd/dvd unit. I swapped the units, but the original was a pioneer and the replacement a hitachi 4020b.
The g4 does not recognize the new unit and I cannot for the life of me find a driver for the hitachi unit, can anyone help? I have tried everything, the only driver help always steers towards windows. I am running 10.5.8 leopard 1.25 Ghz Power PC G4 2 GB ram. Please help going crazy!!

 

You are wasting your time looking for drivers for a DVD drive that is used in a Mac. You won't find any. All optical drive support is provided in your standard OS X system.
You say it is not recognized. Check in your System Profiler (in your Utilities folder). The System Profiler will have an ATA tab, which will show your ATA devices, including both the hard drive, and your optical drive. It will show your optical drive when it is connected properly, even if the drive doesn't appear to work, because it will see the drive electronics card on that drive.
If the drive is connected OK, then you should be able to press eject key on your keyboard, and the drive should open (assuming the drive tray is not blocked). Keep in mind that the tray front bezel sometimes needs to be removed so the tray will open freely.
If the drive is absolutely not visible in your System Profiler, then disassemble your iMac, and check the connections on the drive, particularly the jumpers. It should be set for "CS", or "Cable Select", same as your hard drive. Check the drive cable connectors on the logic board for any bent pins, and no trash in the connectors (it happens!) Be sure that both drive cables are fully seated on the logic board, before you reassemble your iMac. Of course, make sure the power (molex) connector on the optical drive is firmly attached.
Finally, your system software should make use of virtually any working optical drive that will connect and mount internally. I've been using a non-Apple drive in mine for about 6 years now - I think it's a generic Lite-On brand. Worked great since I got it, without any software struggles at all (other than iDVD, which doesn't like some non-Apple drives, but I ignore that.) I never installed anything extra just to support that drive, and you won't need to either - particularly if it is already an Apple-provided drive.

 

go lateral it can be cheaper and less hassle

Massively appreciate your help, have already re-installed optical twice and don't want to risk a third time! But you have inspired me to go lateral and buy a cheap and cheerful Samsung SE-208DB/TSBS Slim Portable External USB 2.0 DVDRW .
I thought I would mention this because the samsung is compatible with early macs as well as later ones and is an easy fix for anyone who does not posses the required torque drivers etc... Anyway thanks a bundle!

 

I had similar symptoms on a Late 2009 27" iMac. As mentioned, you're likely dealing with a failing Superdrive.

I got a brand new Superdrive off eBay for about $50 including shipping from China and replaced it myself. You can find guides at iFixit. It really isn't that difficult on the pre-2012 iMacs with the magnetically-attached glass panels. You just need some Torx screwdrivers. It took about 20 minutes total.