Apple MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4GHz, Late 2007 CTO, Early 2008, and Late 2008) - Manual (Page 187)

MacBook Pro 17-inch (original, Core 2 Duo, 2.4/2.6GHz, 2008) Troubleshooting — Hardware Symptom Charts 187
Try a different disc. 4.
Replace the optical drive cable. 5.
Replace the optical drive. 6.
Difficulty writing to optical media
Verify that the correct type of disc is being used. 1.
Try a different brand or speed of CD-R disc. 2.
Note: Some brands of 24x or 32x CD-R media may not work with the SuperDrive.
Note: There are two factors in the ability for the optical drive to write to media.
First, there are varying qualities of blank optical media. Some media are made to such •
low specifications that the ability for the drive to write to it is marginal. There are
variations in optical media even under the same brand. Some brands source their optical
media from a variety of manufacturers, so there may be variations in the quality.
Second, an optical drive that supports writing to a CD-R/RW or DVD-R/RW disc
•
requires a special writing algorithm for discs from different disc manufacturers. There
are hundreds of disc manufacturers, it is impossible to implement writing algorithms
for each disc manufacturer. Usually, drive manufacturers implement special writing
algorithms for discs from major disc manufacturers. For discs that are not supported by
the drive with special writing algorithms, the drive will use a generic writing algorithm
to write the disc. In this case, the writability and readability may not be optimal.
Use the Software Update system preference pane to check for updated drivers or firmware. 3.
Replace the optical drive flex cable. 4.
Replace the optical drive. 5.
Ports
A USB port is not recognizing devices
Shut down the computer; then press the power button to start the computer. 1.
Use Software Update system preferences to verify that the latest software is installed. 2.
Test the ports with a known-good Apple keyboard or mouse. 3.
Use Apple System Profiler to verify that the computer is recognizing the bus. 4.
If a left port is not recognized, check the left I/O flex cable’s condition and connection. 5.
If the left I/O flex cable is intact and well-seated, and a left USB port is still not recognized, 6.
replace the left I/O board.
If the right USB port is not recognized, replace the main logic board. 7.