Optical drive is available then not

[JDC01]

I'm running Mac OS 12.3.1 and MakeMKV ver 1.16.7. I've been able to rip disks until my optical drive is suddenly not available. I've searched through the mac forum and cannot find any solution that works for my situation. When MKV recognizes the drive, so does Mac OS. When one doesn't recognize it, neither does the other.

I've reloaded MakeMKV software, ensured there are no security or other files that would interfere with the optical drive, restarted, unplugged, reset NVRAM, reset SMC, tried different USB-c ports, etc.

The drive is a new BU40N and cord I acquired from Alex.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks

[Billycar11]

ensure the cable has a good connection to the drive micro USB B is bit fiddly and move it as little as possible.