External USB Optical Disk Drive not detected using the Dell Legacy Adapter (LD17)

Summary: Some USB External Optical Disk Drives (ODD) would not detect when connected to the USB 2.0 port of the legacy adapter.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
Check out other resources

Symptoms

Refer to Resolution section.

Cause

NA

Resolution

Summary: Some external USB Optical Disk Drives (ODD) may not be detected when connected though the Dell Legacy Adapter (LD17).

Dell Legacy Adapter background

The Dell Legacy Adapter (LD17) provides the following legacy ports using a USB connection to you system.

  • Serial RS232 Port
  • Parallel C36 Port
  • Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) with PXE boot support
  • USB 2.0
    SLN303587_en_US__1icon NOTE: The USB 2.0 connection on the LD17 supports up to 1.2 Amps only. Devices requiring more than 1.2 Amps must be connected to laptop's USB port.

External USB Optical Disk Drive not detected

During initial product testing it was documented that some USB External Optical Disk Drives (ODD) would not detect when connected to the USB 2.0 port of the legacy adapter.

Analysis of the issue concluded that the ODD required a higher amperage than the 1.2 Amps available via the legacy adapter.

If this issue is encountered, connect the USB device directly to the system and the drive will be detected.

References

Dell Legacy Adapter (LD17)

Affected Products

Dell External USB Slim DVD ROM Optical Drive DP61N, Dell External USB Slim DVD +/- RW Optical Drive DW316, Dell Legacy Adapter LD17
Article Properties
Article Number: 000135541
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 30 Apr 2026
Version:  5
Find answers to your questions from other Dell users
Support Services
Check if your device is covered by Support Services.