Half-functional 8X superdrive for spare

Hello there! My question is simple, yet difficult (I believe) to set in place.

My actual device is a Macbook Pro 13", purchased two weeks after its initial release. Still works well today!

I recently purchased a non-apple X8 disc drive to replace my original one that wasn't working well (couldn't burn disc no more, but still read without any problem). The new one works just as good as the original did.

I fixed that issue, but am now with a spare and unused Superdrive on my hands.

I remember it to work well, and think it would be a shame to cast away (which I haven't; it's still lying over my desk in a plastic bag).

Now my question...

Is it possible for me to use it as an external drive? Like plugging it to a box, and then using it via USB, or anything... Just give it a better fate than disposal.

Either this, or anything... I don't really like seeing material lying around waiting to be broken apart. Any other suggestion is welcome!

Thanks again.

p.s. I asked a specialist who couldn't know, since he's dedicated to PCs, but perhaps...