09-06-2009, 03:28 PM

I was having seemingly unreconcilable problems with my stock superdrive in my Macbook Pro (it would accept discs, but would only spin them around a bit before ejecting them without recognizing them), so I purchased and installed a new optical drive from OWC. Now the computer in no way recognizes the presence of an optical drive. It does not show up in System Profiler, nor does it seem to be receiving power, since it won't accept discs.

OWC's technical support suggested getting PatchBurn (which I did, but it doesn't recognize the drive, either), as well as checking the connection of a cable which was allegedly on the underside of the logic board near where the optical drive sits (which I couldn't find). This problem is becoming increasingly more frustrating... Any insight would be much appreciated .

09-06-2009, 03:39 PM

OWC's drives are usually exact replacements and should just plug in and work. I purchased one from OWC for my 4 year old IMac and it worked like it came with the machine. Did you get the exact drive for your machine that OWC recommended? Is there any chance you could have hurt the ribbon cable on taking out the old drive?

When you go to the Apple and on more info nothing shows up?

Patchburn is only for non supported optical drives and OSX. I would not think OWC would sell you such a drive if you got the one they recommend for your MBP.

I am not sure which model MBP you have there but this is for the 17" MBP

SuperDrive DVD/CD Upgrades for Apple MacBook Pro 17" - Read/Write Faster + More Burn options!

09-06-2009, 06:27 PM

Thanks for the response. No, System Profiler does not register any type of optical drive (under both ATA and Disc Burning).

This is the drive I purchased: OWC Mercury MacBook 13/Macbook Pro 15.4 9.... (MMB5SD8XDLK) at OWC

My MacBook Pro (15" 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo) is listed in their list of systems compatible with this particular drive. I really think it unlikely that I damaged the ribbon cable during the replacement of the drive because I made a point to be gentle with it, though a broken ribbon cable would certainly cause these symptoms. Is my best bet simply to purchase another ribbon cable in the hopes that that is indeed the problem? Is there any way I can be sure?

09-06-2009, 08:10 PM

To me there can be only two reasons it's not showing up. Broken cable or defective drive. If it's the drive then OWC should give you another. Not sure where to get that cable.

Do let us know what you find out.

09-06-2009, 08:42 PM

Easy way to determine if it's the cable - well not so easy since you have to take the machine apart again - is put the old one back in - if the old drive gets power and still spins up, new drive is doa - if this happens, I'd also take the time to put the new one back in again just to make sure it wasn't a connection issue before you call OWC.

09-06-2009, 08:47 PM

That will for sure work to see if the cable is shot. If the old drive shows up, contact OWC.

09-07-2009, 05:46 PM

Well I put the old drive back in and...nothing. So I guess it must be a damaged flex cable, but is there any way to be certain it isn't a more serious problem before I go through all the trouble of getting a new flex cable?

09-07-2009, 05:56 PM

Okay, I lied. It is now recognizing the old drive. I'll get OWC to send me a replacement.

09-08-2009, 10:33 AM

Well now I feel like an idiot. I put the new drive back in and it works fine... Must have been a loose cable or something, but I remember making a point to firmly connect the flex cable on the first install. Anyway, thanks for the help .

09-08-2009, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by BlackWater

Well now I feel like an idiot. I put the new drive back in and it works fine... Must have been a loose cable or something, but I remember making a point to firmly connect the flex cable on the first install. Anyway, thanks for the help .

I got a good laugh from your reply... not poking fun at you of course. I've been in computer electronic repair both professionally for the US Govt and for myself for well over 20 years. I wish I had kept track of the silly mistakes I made over those years. I can remember putting a piece of equipment back together and it wouldn't fire up. Spend hours trouble shooting it again. A colleague walks over and says: "Hey you forgot to attach this." That's when you wish you were somewhere else....

Happens to the best of us!

Have fun and regards.

09-08-2009, 03:03 PM

And now you know why I said put the new drive back in again before you called OWC. Anyone that's worked on this stuff has done it.