My apple dvd writer on my macpro m1. Mac asks me to inialise the inserted dvd. How do I do that.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
Original Title: How Dvd initialize
MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.5
Posted on Jul 9, 2025 4:54 AM
Posted on Jul 10, 2025 9:18 AM
When I connect the usbA to a C via an adaptor or a mutliple device reader sometimes the MacPro M1 says needs power.
The power message you experience is because the Apple USB SuperDrive draws more power that typical USB devices. Hubs (even powered ones) and some adapters do not deliver sufficient power. You can use Apple's USB-C to USB adapter, but I have found that simple dongle-type adapters work well with my SuperDrive. I have used this simple nonda adapter (Amazon link) for several years and it works reliably (when connected directly to a port on a Mac, and I have used it with many Intel and M-series MacBook Airs and Pros).
The prompt to initialize may be a separate issue but it may be linked to the inadequate power so I'd suggest solving the power problem first. I am able to insert blank DVDRW media and write to it just fine.
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Jul 10, 2025 9:18 AM in response to Bazcook
When I connect the usbA to a C via an adaptor or a mutliple device reader sometimes the MacPro M1 says needs power.
The power message you experience is because the Apple USB SuperDrive draws more power that typical USB devices. Hubs (even powered ones) and some adapters do not deliver sufficient power. You can use Apple's USB-C to USB adapter, but I have found that simple dongle-type adapters work well with my SuperDrive. I have used this simple nonda adapter (Amazon link) for several years and it works reliably (when connected directly to a port on a Mac, and I have used it with many Intel and M-series MacBook Airs and Pros).
The prompt to initialize may be a separate issue but it may be linked to the inadequate power so I'd suggest solving the power problem first. I am able to insert blank DVDRW media and write to it just fine.
Jul 14, 2025 5:05 AM in response to Bazcook
Bazcook wrote:
Servant OC..tks ...
That is exactly my situation I can see the description of the DVD(see previous) and that it needs initialisation. I can even run a check on it …it is functioning well..
It has been explained that needs initialisation just means I have to put something on the DVD. But how do I do this when it is NOT on the finder menu at the bottom left OR there is no desktop icon…it is an unusable dvd…..
When you are in Finder, you may want to select Help > Mac User Guide, and then enter the search term "DVD". One of the articles is on how to choose actions for blank CDs and DVDs.
If you insert a blank disc when the Finder is the current application, the Finder may put up a dialog asking whether you want to initialize it. You have the option of saying that you do. In that case, the Finder will create a "drive" to which you can copy things, after which you hit the "Burn" control (whatever it is called) when ready. But you won't see an icon for a blank disc until the Finder first knows that you have a blank disc, and that you want the Finder to be the one to write it.
WIth the Music app, you might select a playlist, then select File > Burn Playlist to Disc…, then be prompted to put a blank disc into a drive.
Jul 10, 2025 9:31 AM in response to Bazcook
"Uninitialised" is the proper status for a blank optical disc as seen by Disk Utility. The status will remain as such until you burn data to the disc, at which time the OS will initialize the disc and write your data to it.
In addition, when you insert a blank disc into the drive, you may be greeted by a Finder window alerting you to the fact that a blank disc is recognized and asking what you would like to do with it. Typically you can select to "Ignore" it and then go about making preparation to write your data.
Store information on CD and DVD discs on Mac - Apple Support
Jul 11, 2025 12:05 PM in response to Bazcook
Just checked and I have exactly this usbA to C adaptor which I use all the time for my mouse,
Have you cleaned the SuperDrive? Slot-load drives tend to get filthy over time.
A connected drive of that class WILL show in System Information. Select "USB" from the left-hand contents pane. IT may give you information on power usage as well.
I think we have to consider the shortcomings of the SuperDrive as well. Apple last updated that drive 13 years ago. That's pre-dinosaurs in computer time. We see reports of success with the but alos too many issues with newer Macs and OS version..
Jul 14, 2025 8:01 PM in response to John Galt
Try again to respond did not work yesterday.
It is a blank RW DVD in an Apple DVD reader/ writer which has worked fine since ca2013 in my MacAir. Not been used a lot and looks new!
When I connect the usbA to a C via an adaptor or a mutliple device reader sometimes the MacPro M1 says needs power.
However, when I can read the disc it says it is not initialised. This problem is not new. I found a chat with no resolution from 2018 I think.
I simply want to copy some MP4s onto the DVD using finder. Thanks for your interest.
Some screen grabs here
[Edited by Moderator]
Jul 9, 2025 10:32 AM in response to Bazcook
Back up a step and describe what you intend to do with that DVD. Is it blank? What do you intend to write to it, and with what software?
Jul 10, 2025 10:07 AM in response to Bazcook
Just checked and I have exactly this usbA to C adaptor which I use all the time for my mouse, so I tried it and I get the same result as with the other adaptors……. I could go to the Apple shop and see if the expensive Apple usbA to C converter they have solves it….suspect it might!!!!
Jul 10, 2025 10:51 AM in response to Bazcook
If I remember correctly, you want to initialize a blank disc in the application you are going to use to burn it. Maybe even put the disc in when that application is the current one, or has asked for it.
So on an old Mac, you would decline the Finder’s offer if you wanted to burn a home video DVD-Video disc in iDVD, or a music CD in iTunes. IDVD is, sadly, R.I.P., and iTunes has been replaced by Music, but the general idea still holds.
Jul 11, 2025 6:09 AM in response to Bazcook
OK so I have done more research on this. I am on crutches at present so cannot visit the store!
1) There are loads of people on the web and in this community that have had huge issues with Sequoia and M1 Macpros. Resolution has often not been possible or they have gone back to windows machines.
2) I found a YT on the general issue and nothing really helped me.
3) I note that when I use the usbC on one of the three inputs it does not work at all. With the others I am NOT now getting a power issue. The disc is seen as before and I ran a diagnostics check which it passed.
HOWEVER
1) there is not DVD icon on the desktop.
2) It is not listed on the finder login at the bottom left….very odd as it does come up in that screen I took the picture of above still. It shows the disc has largely not been filled.
My gut tells me that it might need a powered assisted usb connection.
Can anyone think of anything else please?
I checked and the DVD writer /vplayer works perfectly on my MacAir and I am going to have to use it or my old trusty DELL to burn to disc….sigh…..
Jul 11, 2025 6:33 AM in response to Bazcook
You will not see an icon on the Desktop, or an entry in the Finder sidebar, for the drive. Just for a disc that has something on it, or that you are initializing using the Finder.
Even then, Finder Settings controls whether the Mac will display a Desktop icon and/ot a Finder window sidebar entry.
Jul 14, 2025 3:14 AM in response to Servant of Cats
Servant OC..tks ...
That is exactly my situation I can see the description of the DVD(see previous) and that it needs initialisation. I can even run a check on it …it is functioning well..
It has been explained that needs initialisation just means I have to put something on the DVD. But how do I do this when it is NOT on the finder menu at the bottom left OR there is no desktop icon…it is an unusable dvd…..
Jul 14, 2025 6:17 AM in response to Servant of Cats
Tks so much ….I tried this and nada.
I can hear the disc turning on the one C input
I am getting the same info about the disc.
When I go to systems general info and ask for info about DVD it states none is attached...
When I am able to walk I will go to the shop.
Tks everyone for trying
Jul 15, 2025 7:49 AM in response to Allan Jones
Tks AJ.
I did try something new. I put a Sting CD in the Apple player and it played fine. No icon on the desktop but it DID show on Finder on the left. I checked information and it said disc could not write…appropriate. Changed for a RW DVD disc and that also said could not write. sigh….
As I was on a roll I then tried the Sting CD in my HP PC reader writer DVD player and it also played it on the MacPro. Interesting as my MacAir would never do that….hence my buying the Apple player! A RW DVD in the HP player showed the same info as the Apple one..the DVD could not be written….
I totally agree with your last sentence ! They won’t be making a new player any time soon…some video programs don’t have the option of writing to DVD now……feeling my age….
I have a way of working I will save files to an external drive and burn them on my MacAir or trusty old DELL….Friends love having their wedding and other videos that I make (for free) on discs. I also convert their old treasured videos to digital and burn them….loads of happy people...
When they break I will have to buy another PC I guess …but when I can walk I will go to the Apple store and see if they can sort it and get back to you all…..might need a virtual drink….to celebrate or recover...
Jul 15, 2025 8:16 AM in response to Bazcook
Bazcook wrote:
I put a Sting CD in the Apple player and it played fine. No icon on the desktop but it DID show on Finder on the left.
That's a Finder setting, you need to tick the box to show discs on the desktop (there's a separate control for the Sidebar).
As I was on a roll I then tried the Sting CD in my HP PC reader writer DVD player and it also played it on the MacPro. Interesting as my MacAir would never do that….hence my buying the Apple player! A RW DVD in the HP player showed the same info as the Apple one..the DVD could not be written….
So perhaps the problem is not your drive, but your media.
Jul 15, 2025 8:41 AM in response to neuroanatomist
Media?
try inserting a disc and then use:
Option- menu > system Information > Disc Burning ...
... to get report from here.
(see last line):
How to initialize a DVD in an Apple DVD writer on MacBook Pro M1?