Why can't I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my Surface Pro 3?

[Windows Central Question]

Tried 3 so far but none works is it because the usb's dont have 4.5 volts anymore or what.
I am fed up whith all the trouble when a new model comes out.
<do not post personal contact info>

 

[RumoredNow]

Re: why cant I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my surface pro3

Your best bet is to get an externally powered model for such a power hungry peripheral.

 

[anon(7901790)]

Re: why cant I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my surface pro3

I have this one and it works fine.

LG 8x External DoubleLayer DVD?RWCDRW Drive Black SP60NB50 - Best Buy

Best Buy also has a USB 3.0 version now as well.

 

[BGrewer]

Re: why cant I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my surface pro3

I have this one and it works fine.

LG 8x External DoubleLayer DVD?RWCDRW Drive Black SP60NB50 - Best Buy

Best Buy also has a USB 3.0 version now as well.

Is this DVD drive just powered by USB or is it one of these ones which require another source of power?

 

[anon(7901790)]

Re: why cant I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my surface pro3

Is this DVD drive just powered by USB or is it one of these ones which require another source of power?

It's USB powered. No external power source needed.

 

[BGrewer]

Re: why cant I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my surface pro3

is this just solely using the Surface's USB or is this using a y cable?

 

[illegaloperation]

Get a USB Hub with an AC adapter.

 

[BGrewer]

I would but I'm just looking for one I can just plug in and use, so I won't have the hassle of looking for a plug socket

 

[anon(7901790)]

Re: why cant I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my surface pro3

is this just solely using the Surface's USB or is this using a y cable?

No Y cable needed. It comes with a standard mini-USB cable, and that is all it needs for both power and data.

 

[BGrewer]

That's good then! I think i'll get this one, what's it like for installing disks then

 

[BGrewer]

Re: why cant I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my surface pro3

No Y cable needed. It comes with a standard mini-USB cable, and that is all it needs for both power and data.

Does that come with an adaptor? (for a standard USB)

 

[anon(7901790)]

Re: why cant I get an external cd/dvd drive to work with my surface pro3

Does that come with an adaptor? (for a standard USB)

No adaptor required. What I meant was mini-B USB. I apologize for any confusion. Here is a pic.



To go on a tangent, a USB cable's connectors are labeled A and B. The A connector is the part that plugs into the "downstream" device (i.e. computer or USB hub) The B connector is the part that plugs into the "upstream" device. In this case the DVD drive.

So when you see a term such as, "mini-B" or "micro-B" that is referencing the end that plugs into the external device, such as a phone or external drive.

I hope this clears things up a little.

 

[Corinna Standlee]

I have the LG portable DVD writer connected to my Surface Pro 4, and I still can't get it to play a DVD. What am I doing wrong?

 

[PHuba]

I have the LG portable DVD writer connected to my Surface Pro 4, and I still can't get it to play a DVD. What am I doing wrong?

I may think about the following reason: W10 alone will not play DVD (no licensed CODEC). You will have to install a DVD player (possibly one that came with your external drive if any - or one purchased or free... Have a look to old articles such as
http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-watch-dvds-for-free-in-windows-10/