How can I get a USB DVD drive working with a 2021 MacBook Pro?
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MellowCedar27
I bought a Sandberg USB DVD drive for my 2021 MacBook Pro, but macOS does not show any indication that the drive is connected and nothing starts when I insert a movie DVD. I tried opening the discs with VLC, but it reports that it cannot play non-UDF DVDs. I have tested four movie DVDs and do not currently have another computer, CD, or data disc available for troubleshooting. What should I check to get the drive recognized and play the DVDs?
Answers
First separate the hardware problem from the playback problem. Check whether the drive appears in Finder or Disk Utility after connecting it. If it does not appear at all, test the USB connection, restart the Mac, and try another adapter or hub. Some portable drives also need both included USB cables connected for enough power, depending on the computer and adapter.
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If the drive appears in Disk Utility but the movie will not play, the issue is probably software rather than USB recognition. VLC may need DVD playback support, and some commercial DVDs use copy protection that VLC cannot handle without the appropriate DVD library. Also try inserting a DVD with data or another type of disc if possible, since that can confirm whether the optical drive itself is reading media.
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The wording is confusing because VLC can only attempt playback if macOS can access the drive somehow. Look in Finder's sidebar and in Disk Utility while the drive is connected. If neither shows it, focus on power, cables, adapters, and the drive itself before troubleshooting VLC. Restarting the Mac with the drive attached may also help it mount correctly.
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QuietMarble4: The drive manual specifically says to connect both USB cables, so that is worth trying even though many newer computers can power similar drives with one cable.