Chosen Solution

When I do diagnostics, the SuperDrive is no longer listed. It won’t accept discs. I know that they can break, but are there software checks I should perform before pulling the drive? (Also - what is a good peripheral/USB drive for my Mac?) Edit (11/11/17) First, under SATA/SATA Express, I see:

Under Disc Burning, there’s this:

(I seriously don’t remember seeing the second drive the last few times I checked)

Let see if you computer even sees it. Go under the Apple to About this Mac System Report SATA/SATA Express See if your computer sees the drive.