Macbook question (unable to read CD-R with data)

[homer]

I have some music on a CD-R that I need to rip in order to include in a video project. Obviously my new Mac doesn't have a CD drive but my 2010 Macbook does. The CD has data as I've listened to the music in my car's CD player. However, when I insert the CD into my Macbook it tells me the CD is blank. Is my drive screwed up or am I just unable to read CD-R files on a Mac?

[1992casey]

CD-R should work. It could be a problem with the drive or the disk (or a little of both). Maybe one or the other is in need of cleaning.

 

Can you see the disk in Disk Utility? If so, maybe you could clone its contents to a .dmg.

 

Given that it works in the car, I'd probably try another computer if one is available rather than wasting too much time trying to troubleshoot the Mac. You can fiddle with the Mac when you have more time on your hands.

 

Here's a MacWorld article:

 

Cures for an uncooperative CD/DVD drive

[homer]

Yeah I ended up taking it to a friend's studio where he has a Mac tower. It worked on that. Weird thing is that DVDs play fine on my MacBook Pro. Is it a different laser/sensor for CDs?

[1992casey]

I can't answer that. You could probably try inserting another CD-R disk and see if that works.

 

You could replace the CD/DVD drive on your old Mac pretty inexpensively if you thought it was worth it. But a better investment might be an external drive that would work on your newer Mac.

 

Don't they make cleaning disks? Maybe you could try running one of those.