DVD does not appear as a 'device'

[DougStocks]

I am using a Mac Mini (late 2009) and OS X 10.11.6. When I insert a DVD, it does not show up in the list of "devices" with my other drives, but rather in the list above called "favorites." Further, the item remains in the list even after I eject the disc.

Previously, it had always appeared in the list of "devices."

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hello.

Normally this is due to the icon for the DVD having been dragged to the Favorites list by mistake. This should fix it:

1. Right-click or Option-click the DVD name in the sidebar
2. Choose Remove from Sidebar
3. Click Finder > Preferences... from the menu bar
4. Under Devices, uncheck CDs, DVDs, and iPods (it should have a dash instead of a checkmark), then recheck it

You discs should show in Devices again.

C

 

[DougStocks]

Hello.

Normally this is due to the icon for the DVD having been dragged to the Favorites list by mistake. This should fix it:

1. Right-click or Option-click the DVD name in the sidebar
2. Choose Remove from Sidebar
3. Click Finder > Preferences... from the menu bar
4. Under Devices, uncheck CDs, DVDs, and iPods (it should have a dash instead of a checkmark), then recheck it

You discs should show in Devices again.

C

Hello Mr. Cooper,

As usual, I sincerely appreciate you efforts. However, Even after following your directions I have still not been successful. I also realize now that I omitted what might be an important bit of information. I have reference to new, unformatted DVDs. I know that at least some DVDs upon which I have recorded old movies operate just fine. Thus perhaps this problem is applicable only to new, unformatted DVDs. (I am trying to burn some pdf files and Turbo Tax files to a disc for archival purposes.)

Also, one more bit of info that might be relevant. This is the first time I have tried to burn a DVD since upgrading from 10.11.5 to 10.11.6. In fact it is the first time I have tried to burn a DVD in approximately one year.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Ahhh...OK.

Two things:
1. Do other devices show under Devices - i.e. external HDs, USB flash drives, commercial discs? It could be possible the the Devices are "hidden"
2. System Preferences > CDs & DVDs > When you insert a blank CD/DVD: Set to Open Finder. That should mount a blank disc on the Desktop, which would allow you to drag your files into and then burn.

C

 

[DougStocks]

Ahhh...OK.

Two things:
1. Do other devices show under Devices - i.e. external HDs, USB flash drives, commercial discs? It could be possible the the Devices are "hidden"
2. System Preferences > CDs & DVDs > When you insert a blank CD/DVD: Set to Open Finder. That should mount a blank disc on the Desktop, which would allow you to drag your files into and then burn.

C

Thanks again, Mr. Cooper. Re 1: Yes.
Re 2: Had done that previously. What I had not done was look on the Desktop. Following your instructions I did so. I the dragged and dropped the files into the blank disk icon on Desktop. This opened a new Finder window in which the Untitled DVD was still misplaced. However, as an experiment, I dragged and dropped the files from the Desktop Icon to this new Finder Window. Things looked pretty much as before, so I then ejected the disc. Then something new happened, I was presented with the opportunity to burn the 'Untitled DVD'. I did so. It took awhile, but when finished, the Icon immediately vanished from the Favorites and reappeared under Devices. The files are now on the disc (I checked by using another machine). Also, now when I insert it, it appears as a Device, Only the unformatted discs appear as 'Favorites.'

So, once again, Mr Cooper, I am very much indebted to you and ever so appreciative of your kind generosity.

Now, I think there is some way for me to mark this Thread as Solved, I'll try to figure out how.

 

[Cory Cooper]

No worries...that's why we are here.

Glad that resolved it for the most part. Not sure why the blank disc still shows under Favorites...I will double-check that on mine when I get a chance.

This forum software doesn't have a "Solved" badge...your reply and happiness with the solution marks it as solved for us.

Enjoy,

C

 

[DougStocks]

No worries...that's why we are here.

Glad that resolved it for the most part. Not sure why the blank disc still shows under Favorites...I will double-check that on mine when I get a chance.

This forum software doesn't have a "Solved" badge...your reply and happiness with the solution marks it as solved for us.

Enjoy,

C

I know that it is highly unlikely, but I sure hope that you Moderators get some remuneration from Apple. This is not the first time that I have spent hours on the phone with Apple Support and wound up getting no useful help. Then I remembered this Forum and got my problem solved.

Thanks again to you and the other Moderators who do so much for us 'great unwashed' Mac users.

 

[Cory Cooper]

Thanks for the kind words...it is much appreciated.

All of the Administrators/Moderators are simply here because we love Macs and helping Mac owners/users. We aren't affiliated with Apple in any way. We donate our free time, because we get as much out of it as you do. We all had to learn and get our questions answered in days gone by, so we return the favor when we can.

Be well,

C

 

[DougStocks]

Yep, that's what I figured. Well please be aware that at least one novice is very appreciative.