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physioman82
User level: Level 1 (14 points)

External Dell CD reader not reading discs with MacBook Air M4

hi everyone. I recently bought a MacBook air m4 and I need to use it with an external cd reader. I have a dell cd reader but it rarely reads the cds when connected with the Mac. on the contrary it works fine with an all in one desktop made by DEll. is there any way for me to use the dell cd reader or I should buy an apple cd/dvd reader?

Thanks in advance for your help

Posted on Sep 23, 2026 10:02 PM

2 replies

physioman82 Author
User level: Level 1 (14 points)

Oct 22, 2026 10:13 PM in response to WheelieNick

Thank you very much for your answer!! I appreciate it!

I have already found a dvd reader with an external power supply and that was the solution for my issue! The MacBook doesn’t give enough power to the cd/dvd reader!!!

thanks again🙏🙏🙏

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Oct 22, 2026 12:58 AM in response to physioman82

Hi there


Please try this to see if you can fix the issue


  • Use a powered USB hub: Connect your Dell reader to a USB hub that has its own wall power supply rather than plugging it directly into the Mac or a passive adapter. This provides the extra electricity the laser and disc motor need to spin up properly. 
  • Check Disk Utility: Plug in the drive, open Disk Utility (found in Applications > Utilities), and see if the hardware or the inserted disc shows up in the sidebar. If the drive appears but the disc doesn't mount, you can try to click Mount manually. 
  • Check System Information: Go to the Apple menu () > About This Mac > System Report (or More Info), then select USB on the left side to confirm whether macOS even detects the Dell reader's hardware chip


Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256363896