iMac Pro External USB SuperDrive: not compatible?

[LadyJemima]

I'm using a late 2015 iMac running on High SIerra 10.13.5. When I plug in my USB SuperDrive, the computer doesn't recognize it (at all - I can't push the disc in). A family member's computer (mid-2010, running on the same OSX) DOES recognize the SuperDrive, but doesn't have the necessary software to rip a disc. Is this an incompatibility issue with my desktop machine?

 

[mikehalloran]

Not at all or only for certain functions?

Is it the Apple unit or something else?

I have a $15 external hooked up to my iMac Pro with no problems.

 

[jerwin]

are you connecting the drive directly to the mac, or is there a hub involved?

 

[LadyJemima]

It's an Apple brand Superdrive, and I have tried both a hub AND directly into the computer. Multiple ports on both. It doesn't show up in Devices and it doesn't make any recognition sound (also...it doesn't pull the disc in). I'd think that the Drive was bad, except that it works on a different Mac...

 

[mikehalloran]

There are a number of things that can crash the USB ports.

Reset the NV RAM and see if that fixes it.

 

[Fishrrman]

Probably the best option:

Buy a THIRD PARTY (non-Apple) USB DVD/CD drive and use that instead.
Will cost you about $25 (or less).

Or... for a little more...
Consider a Bluray/DVD/CD USB external drive.
Can play Bluray discs on the Mac using the "Free Mac Blu-Ray Player" app.