If a FireWire device isn’t working
If a FireWire device isn’t working properly, try the following suggestions:
Check power and cables: Make sure all FireWire devices are turned on and all cables are connected. If the device requires a power cord, make sure it’s plugged in.
Check for missing software: Make sure you installed any software that came with the device. Check the manufacturer’s website for the latest software.
Check chained devices: If the device is in a chain of devices, each connected to another and with only one connected directly to a FireWire port , make sure that all the devices, other than the one connected directly to the port, have their power cords. (And if the device connected directly to the port requires a power cord, it should have one, too.) If that doesn’t work, try plugging the device directly into your computer.
Verify that the device appears in System Information: Choose Apple menu > About This Mac. In the window that appears, click Overview, then click the System Report button to open System Information.
Open System Information for me
In the window that appears, see if the FireWire device is listed below Hardware in the list on the left. If the device appears but does not work, review the device’s documentation for further troubleshooting steps.
Restart apps: Quit and restart any apps that use the device.
Restart your Mac: Choose Apple menu > Restart.
If these suggestions don’t work, see the documentation that came with the device for troubleshooting tips, or contact the manufacturer for help.